Does Light Kit for Railed Cargo Carriers 20174 Include Running Light Function

Question:

My carrier lights dont come on when I turn on the parking lights or headlights They work with the turn signals and the emergency flashers and the brake lights. Shouldnt they come on when I turn on the headlights too? I live in Atlanta, if perhaps local laws may/may not apply. Thanks

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

Yes, the Light Kit for Railed Cargo Carriers, Part # 20174, does include the tail/running light function. These cargo carrier lights should illuminate whenever your vehicle turn signals, brake lights and tail lights are on. You can start by unplugging the 4-pole connector and confirming that the vehicle running lights operate properly.

Next use a circuit tester like # PTW2979 on the vehicle 4-pole connector to verify that it is passing a running light signal. Ground the tester and test the pin for the brown (running light) wire when the vehicle headlights are on. If you do not detect a steady signal on that pin then the issue is in your vehicle wiring harness or elsewhere in the vehicle.

If you do detect the correct signal on the running light pin on the 4-pole then reconnect the 4-pole harness from the carrier lighting kit. (I have linked an installation video for reference.) I suggest you apply dielectric grease to all connections, both at the 4-pole and the two light connectors. You can use a product like # 11755 which is commonly available at auto parts stores.

If you still do not have the running light function even though this operates properly on the vehicle lights, check the wiring for the lighting kit. Inspect the brown wires running to each fixture for cracks and wear spots in the insulation. Since the wiring does have to be routed through the grid decking on the carrier, it may be that vibration of the wiring against this rough surface has caused a short. Apply electrical tape to any cracks or worn spots on the insulation and re-test.

If you still do not have running lights on the carrier, use your Quickee tester on each connector pin for the brown running light wire (please refer to the photo provided for which pin to test). If you have a running light signal reaching the connectors then it may be that the dual-filament bulbs within the fixtures are bad (though both going bad at once seems unlikely). Since these are sealed and non-serviceable they can be replaced with part # ST70RB, which is a complete housing/bulb assembly.