Brake/wiring problem ideas?

[MerlynIIa]

I own a 2000 Discovery II with a hookup for trailer brakes and wiring. It has been sitting the last couple of weeks while I wait on new front rotors that I have ordered to come in.
I came home from work yesterday and the brake lights were on. I got in and stepped on the brakes (not starting it up) and the dash warning lights came on, the fuel gauge needle flipped up and down and the ding ding bell that comes on when you leave the keys in the ignition sounded. I then started it without problems, but the brake lights stayed on and would not go off. Turned on lights, stepped on the brakes, etc... with no change. Turned it off again, with the same dash light problems as before when you stepped on the brakes. not having time to sort it before the weekend, i disconnected the battery.

What should I look for when I work to sort the problem? my own first thoughts were a faulty brake light switch or, due to the weird dash light up, ignition switch problems.

Any ideas?

[kh500]

Recheck your wires?

I hooked up incorrectly and caused somewhere to short with 10A,15A fuse blow out several times.

[MerlynIIa]

Thanks for the reply. I haven't checked out the problem yet, but will give it a shot this weekend. Not looking forward to tracing down wiring problems. the trailer wiring was done by mechanics at the camper dealer when i purchased my new camper in 2007. the wiring has worked fine until now. however, my disco came from Michigan originally and had some corroded wiring-- from salt, I guess. the mechanics asked if it was a flood recovery vehicle, which is somewhat common here, being close to the katrina damaged area, to give you an idea what it looked like. i will print the diagram you posted for a good place to start. the trailer wiring is the more complicated round plug, that includes the electric brakes.

again thanks
Steven G.

[kh500]

If the professional shop did connctions, the wiring should be fine.
But the most of trailer wiring is done by tap splice shown below.
http://books.google.com/books?id=ouU...20snap&f=false

It's not very water-tight connection type unless special water-tight care applied and watch for one wire connects between the brake lights which passes behind the bumper.