LED Trailer Lights Not Lighting Up When They are Supposed To

Question:

i installed LED bulbs in rear tail lamps. They work but when i use the turn signals it causes my parking lights to blink as well and it causes the opposite blinker to also blink but not as bright as signal that is requested. Is there a suggestion of something i can purchase to remedy this problem

asked by: Raul D

Expert Reply:

The first thing you are going to want to check are the ground connections. 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.

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.

If all of that checks out then it could be that the LED lights are not drawing enough power. You can install load resistors such as # DI34ZR on each affected circuit to simulate more load.

expert reply by: Michael H