Troubleshooting No Running Lights on Pop-Up Camper

Question:

I have checked all fuses. They are OK Signal lights work fine as do brake lights. Running lights do not come on while plugged into 2006 E 150 van. I ran a jumper line from the aux battery to the slot on the plug designated for running lights and they came on. Despite my most convincing swearing the running lights do not come on when plugged into the socket. It looks like a factory installed unit on the van? Any suggestions?

asked by: Stuart K

Expert Reply:

The lack of one function on your trailer connector whether on the vehicle side or trailer side often has to do with a bad ground wire connection. Bypassing the connector and running it directly to a battery to get function can overpower a bad ground and allow the system to work, so that does add more frustration, but at least you know the running light wiring works properly.

The next thing to do is to check your ground wires. Your trailer should have a common ground to the trailer frame and it needs to be bare metal to metal and free of corrosion or debris. Often tail lights have a ground as well, so check where they are grounded to the frame as well. If there is not a separate ground wire on your tail lights, then they are grounded through the mounting hardware and you will want to clean the area where they attach for that bare metal to metal connection.

You will also want to check the vehicle side ground wire and make sure you have a good connection without any bent pins. Finally, check the trailer connector pins themselves and make sure there is no dirt or debris. Clean them using a little sand paper and then use dielectric grease # 11755 to keep dirt and moisture out.

If you still don't have the working lights after this, then I recommend moving your ground locations on your vehicle and trailer to see if another location works.

expert reply by: Jason S