Towing oddity?

[Len_Cuff]

Just tested the wiring on my Vectra since having to splice the cables as previous owner had chopped them off Factory fitted dual electrics and all works EXCEPT when I put the brakes on, all the side lights come on as well!! Tried a trailer board and that works as expected so it has to the van at fault BUT logically if the sides come on with the brakes then the brakes should come on with the sides but they don't??

Any ideas please? Was going to test for a short between them but can't see how that can be as brakes don't come on with sides - very odd!!

 

[catlady]

We have a vectra and our caravan sidelights come on when we brake too, we contacted the towbar fitter and he said it is normal for vectras

 

[Len_Cuff]

Thanks, you've just saved me a load of testing tomorrow!! Seems odd though that it doesn't do the same thing when I
have a trailer board connected? Maybe due to far less bulbs in the sidelights?

 

[Dustydog]

Len
There is something wrong.
Check the earth on both car and caravan. If you find any of those horrible blue scotch clips , cut them out and solder all the wires and insulate with tape. Make sure the earth points on the car and caravan are perfect.

 

[Len_Cuff]

No skotch locks as this a a Vauxhall fitted dual tow connection directly into the Rear Electrical box.

 

[catlady]

Our neighbour also has a vectra and his lights come on too, his was wired up by a different auto electrician to ours. ours does work for the vauxhall dealer we bought the car from. he said it is something to do with how the printed circuits are.

 

[Len_Cuff]

Quick update, I took the lens off one side of the trailer board tonight so I could see the bulb filaments and even the trailer board lights up the sides when the brakes are on!! Looks like it's a 'feature' on the factory fitted electrics on the Vectra C!!