Troubleshooting Only Trailer Running Lights Working After Replacing 4-Way Trailer Connector

Question:

I have a utility trailer . 5 wires . I bought a 4 way pigtail . W/ White , brown , green and yellow wires . The trailer has white , yellow , green and two brown wires . When I hook them up, according to their color codes. Only my running lights work. Thoughts

asked by: Taft K

Expert Reply:

There are a long list of possible issues that you could be experiencing with your utility trailer. First I recommend using a Test Light # PTW2993 to check for power on the wiring both at the vehicle and then after the 4-Way # HM38134. This will help you to ensure there is nothing wrong like a fuse on the vehicle and your new pigtail doesn't have an issue from the factory. You will want to continue to follow the trailer wiring down your trailer to determine where you lose power. If you have power all the way to the lights you will want to check the ground connections. On most trailers they use the trailer frame as a ground connection both at the lights and at the 4-way connection. If this is what you have we know the ground at the 4-way is good since the running lights are working. If you have full length ground wires you will want to check those wires as they may have damage which is causing the tail lights to not work. Finally be sure to check any bulbs for damaged filaments.

expert reply by: Bud M