pulling someone out of ditch and now i have no back up lights

chevy_girl86 · March 4, 2014

Hi, I'm hoping someone may be able to help ease my paranoia. I have no knowledge on vehicles. But I have a 2002 Chevy Avalanche. It has a tow package. We received some snow today and my sisters boyfriend slid his truck in the ditch. They called to see if they could borrow my truck to pull theirs out. I didn't want to but I felt bad for them. They got their truck out but messed up this little box at back of truck that held a bunch of wires. Now when I go to signal the front lights work but instead of back signaling its hazard lights that flash. And I have no back up lights.

I am totally freaking out. Will replacing this connector box fix things or am I looking at something more serious? Any insight is greatly appreciated.

Doug_Scott · March 4, 2014

Chances are very high that that little box you described has been damaged to the point wires inside are touching other wires in there. Some call it a "short", but I don't until I see it shorted. It could also be an open circuit. Either way, get someone to replace the plug receiver. In the mean time, you could open the flap on it and see if you can find the wires that are crushed together. You may be able to locate a connector on the little box that will allow you to completely disconnect the box. It would likely be within 3 or 4 feet of the black box.

chevy_girl86 · March 4, 2014

Thank you sooo much. Relieved some of my anxiety. I will definitely do that and let you know. Thanks again!!!

GasHog369 · March 4, 2014

By little black box im guessing your talking about either your round tralier connector in the center of the bumper? or under the bed above spare tire where your all your central wiring is located in black boxes?

Either way im curious to how they messed up the connector or box? Have any pics of it?

Only thing i can think of is if they strapped to a point where the strap went tight and bent the connector..

Do you have a hitch? They should have used that.. Curious if they wrapped around the bumper or fished it thru by the bumper and spare tire and went to the axle .