I just installed a trailer brake controller on my 2001 durango and after doing so my brake lights don't work. Think I wired the brake controller wrong so I removed it but the lights still don't work. The signals, running lights and flashers all work. I touched a constant power to the brake light wire on the brake controller wiring harness and the lights came on but when I push the peddle still no brake lights. Someone pleAse help I'm not sure what may have shorted out.

 

it honestly sounds to me like the brake light switch is the problem, that or a fuse (either in the door or the black box known as the PDC under the hood)

 

I have checked every fuse that I can think of. Everything seems fine. There's not one just for the brake lights. I'm guessing the brake light switch is the little switch at the top of the brake peddle. If so I'll start testing that ASAP

 

+1 shrps, sounds like the switch. Get the brake lights working then put in the controller, just curious do you know for sure that the brake light came on before the install. I have seen that before. That is one thing that I was taught was to check before a trailer brake install, is that all the lights worked on the vehicle. It may save you a headache.

 

I did not do an inspection right before the install but 2 days before I was driving behind the Durango and remember them working. I currently have the switch out and am going to see about a new one this afternoon. Looks like they are only around ten bucks so figure I'll just swap it and see what happens

 

Ok changed the brake light switch and still no brake lights. Anyone got any other ideas. Anyone know if there should be a fuse just for the brake lights

 

check
fuse 4 in the door jam (20 amp, should be the park light fuse)

and PDC
fuse T (should be labeled on the PDC cover, is near the fuel pump relay)
fuse 5 (20 amp) (stop light fuse)

these are what i was able to find in the factory service manual that were in the circuit with the stop lamps.

 

Back track with a multi-meter and find the issue. If you installed and grounded it incorrect you could have taken out the CTM.