Chevrolet Trax Brake Lights Now Working - Diagnosing And Fixing

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Fixing a brake light failure in a Chevrolet Trax can seem daunting, but with a bit of patience and some DIY spirit, most issues can be resolved without needing to visit a dealership. This guide compiles insights from various troubleshooting threads to help you address common lighting and electrical issues found in the Chevrolet Trax, particularly around brake lights and other related lighting problems.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Replacement bulbs (as needed)
• Replacement fuses (15A for BCM4 recommended)
• Diodes (for LED installations)
• Wire brush or sandpaper (for cleaning ground connections)
• Basic hand tools (screwdrivers, pliers)

Preliminary Checks

Before diving into more complex solutions, perform these initial checks:

• Bulb Check: Confirm that the brake light bulbs are in working order. Replace any bulbs that are burnt out.
• Fuse Check: Inspect the fuse box for any blown fuses. The Chevrolet Trax has multiple fuse boxes, so consult your vehicle’s manual to find the specific fuse for the brake lights.

Check our bulb size chart to ensure that you are using the proper bulbs for your Chevrolet Trax:

• 2022;
• 2021;
• 2020;
• 2019;
• 2018;
• 2017;
• 2016;
• 2015;

Common Issues and Fixes

Grounding Problems

• Symptom: Lights act up, with one light turning off when another is turned on, indicating a possible grounding issue.
• Solution: Check the ground points for the lights. These could have loosened or become corroded over time. Ground points can typically be found on either side of the vehicle or may have a central ground for the front lighting system. Cleaning or tightening these points can often resolve the issue.

LED Bulb Issues

• Symptom: After replacing original bulbs with LEDs, some lights may not work correctly due to voltage feedback into another circuit.
• Solution: If LED bulbs were recently installed, ensure they are compatible with the vehicle’s electrical system. In some cases, adding a diode to the wiring can prevent voltage feedback. Alternatively, revert to the original bulb types if issues persist.

Connection and Fuse Issues

 Symptom: Lights, including brake lights, not functioning correctly, even after bulb replacements.

 Solution:

• Check Connections: Examine the connections of recently replaced bulbs. Ensure they are secure and free from corrosion.
• Fuse Replacement: A blown fuse can lead to lighting failures. Specifically, the BCM4 fuse has been identified as a culprit in some Chevrolet Trax models. Locate this fuse inside the vehicle, typically behind a storage compartment, and replace it if necessary.

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Dealer and Warranty Options

• If your Chevrolet Trax is still within its warranty period or you are not comfortable performing these checks and repairs yourself, consider taking the vehicle to a certified dealer. Dealers can perform diagnostics and address issues under warranty when applicable.

Conclusion

Lighting issues in the Chevrolet Trax, especially concerning brake lights, can often be traced back to simple electrical problems such as grounding issues, fuse failures, or incompatible LED installations. By systematically checking these potential problem areas, many lighting issues can be resolved without the need for professional intervention. However, if at any point you feel unsure or uncomfortable performing these tasks, seeking professional help is advised to avoid causing further damage to your vehicle’s electrical system. Remember, safety first—ensure your vehicle’s lighting system is fully functional to avoid any safety hazards on the road.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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