Troubleshooting Trailer Light Wiring with a 2012 Ram 1500 Tow Vehicle
Question:
I had a dodge 2010 and my boat lights worked with it. I got a 2012 ram 1500 and the lights wont work????? any ideas?
asked by: Scotty
Expert Reply:
To determine if the issue is on your 2012 Ram 1500 or the trailer you will need to disconnect the trailer and use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to test the vehicle side connector. With the running lights on, test the pins on the vehicle side connector. If there is no power at the connector, then the issue is on the truck. If there is power at the vehicle connector, then the issue is on the trailer.
You can check to see if the tow package fuses and relays are present or just bad by using your 2012 Ram 1500 owner's manual to find the fuse and relay locations.
If the issues revert back to the trailer, you may have a ground issue. Ground problems normally show up when there is more draw on a system such as when you have the running lights on and then use another function like a turn signal or brake light.
Make sure that the vehicle side and trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside and out. The main connector grounds should be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.
The light grounds should also be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. If there is anything between a light ground and the metal trailer frame or if the trailer has an aluminum frame, tilt bed, or folding tongue, any of these things can interrupt the ground. Running jumper wires from the light grounds to the main trailer connector ground can help. Also, looking for any cut or damaged wires on your trailer to locate a lost connection and fix as necessary.
I included a few FAQ's and video installation for you too.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Continue Researching
- Shop: Fulton XLT Powered Drive Trailer Jack - Drop Leg - Side Mount - 22" Lift - 2,500 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Valet JXS Drill Powered Swivel Trailer Jack w/ Footplate - Sidewind - 14" Lift - 2K
- Shop: etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Video: Fulton XLT Powered Drive Trailer Jack Review
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Locations of 12V Power and Trailer Lighting Fuses in 2012 Dodge Ram
- Q&A: No Trailer Running Lights Troubleshooting on a 2012 Dodge Ram 3500
- Shop: Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness with 7-Pole Plug
- Shop: Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 4-Way and 7-Pole Connector - 7' Long
- Search Results: 44649
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: 10k Dexter Replacement Hub for a 8-415
- Shop: Grease Seals 10-36 (pair)
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Lippert Solera Slider Slide-Topper Review
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Q&A: Wiring a Camper Shell Third Brake Light on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado
- Search Results: 68149
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: dust cap
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Replacement Hub Needed for Lippert 122093 Hub on 5,200 lbs Axle
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: 25580
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: Trailer Suspension Hanger Kit for Slipper Springs and 38 inch Wheelbase
- Q&A: How to Determine if Trailer Axle is Not Aligned and How to Measure to Replace Trailer Axle