Troubleshooting Trailer Wiring of 2000 Chevy Silverado that Stopped Working

Question:

Hi there I am in a huge jam. I have to remove a car from my house because its not running and my landlord will tow it away if I dont get it moved. I borrowed a car trailer from a buddy and it worked fine when he dropped it off. I hooked up to my pickup and have no lights at all. I cant afford to take it to a mechanic so I have to do this myself. I dont know alot about cars but I am learning. I really need this fixed as soon as possible if you could walk me through what I need to do that would be very helpful.

asked by: Joe J

Expert Reply:

First thing you should do at this point is test the 7-way of the wiring harness with a circuit tester like # PTW2993 for voltage on all of the right pins when the taillight signals are being applied. Just like in the video I attached.

If the voltage checks out there but the trailer lights still don't function right then the problem is on the trailer wiring. That would mean that problem is either due to a ground issue or a short issue.

Make sure that the trailer side connector 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.

If the problem is on the vehicle side then I would first recommend you double check how the harness is installed on your vehicle, make sure all of the connections are good and tight. You should check all towing related fuses and relays as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C