Trailer Lights Not Lighting or Lighting when Not Supposed to with 2015 VW Golf SportWagen  

Question:

Expert Reply:

To determine if the problem is on the vehicle side or the trailer side you can do some testing with a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 or a meter if you have one. Disconnect the trailer and use the circuit tester to test the 4-Way connector on your 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen while someone sits in the car and goes through the light functions.

The pin next to ground is running lights, the next pin is left turn signal and brake lights, and the last pin is right turn signal and brake lights. If the pins show power only when they are supposed to then the issue is on the trailer. If something does not power on or has power when it shouldn't then the issue is on the vehicle side, likely a problem with the converter and the harness will have to be replaced.

If you determine the issue is on the trailer side then it is likely a bad ground or a short. 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 but can show up any time.

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.

expert reply by: Michael H

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