Troubleshooting Trailer Lights on 1997 Maxum Trailer that Arent Working
Question:
I have a 1997 maxum trailer and the lights are not working
asked by: Barry C
Expert Reply:
To make sure the problem is isolated to the trailer, I recommend using a simple light tester, like part # 40376, to test the trailer connector on your tow vehicle to make sure it is functioning properly. I have attached a video that shows how to do this. If the connector on your vehicle is not functioning as it should, then the problem could be related to a poor connection or faulty wiring on your vehicle. If this is the case, you can send me the year, make, and model of your vehicle and the problems you found during testing and I would be happy to come up with a solution for you.
First, inspect the connectors on the trailer and the vehicle for corrosion and repair or replace as necessary. Next, check the ground connections on the trailer. A poor ground could cause the lights to malfunction. Be sure to check the main trailer ground and the grounds for each light assembly if they are accessible. If possible, it is best to route all of the ground wires back to the main trailer ground, but this may be difficult if the wires are hidden behind wall panels on your camper. If the wires are not accessible and you aren't comfortable removing wall panels, I recommend taking your trailer to a trailer shop.
If all of the ground connections are good and you do not see any corrosion, inspect the wiring for any potential shorts that could cause power to jump between the tail light wires. Follow the wires from the trailer connector all the way back to the tail lights looking for any pinched, frayed or damages sections of wire and repair or replace and needed.
I have attached a link to our trailer wiring help article that gives general trailer wiring information and troubleshooting.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Miro-Flex LED Trailer Tail Light - Stop, Tail, Turn - Submersible - 12 Diodes - Oval - Red Lens
- Trailer Lights
- Tail Lights
- Stop/Turn/Tail
- Oval
- Recessed Mount
- Submersible Lights
- LED Light
- 6-1/2L x 2-5/16W Inch
- Red
- Optronics
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Repair Kit for etrailer and Ram A-Frame Couplers - Trigger Latch - 2" Ball - 5,000 lbs
- Shop: Demco Metal eZ-Latch Repair Kit for 2" Ball Couplers - 10,000 lbs
- Video: Repair Kit for etrailer and Ram A-Frame Couplers Review
- Video: etrailer A-Frame Trailer Coupler CA-5100-RK Review
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: B&W Tow & Stow Pintle Hook with 2-5/16" Ball - 2" Hitches - 10,000 lbs/16,000 lbs
- Video: etrailer Trailer Brake Controller Universal Kit Review
- Video: Review of Bright Way Trailer Breakaway Kit - 3802348
- Video: Bargman 7-Way Trailer Wiring Installation
- Video: Mighty Cord Wiring - Trailer Connectors - A10-7W8 Review
- Video: Hopkins 7 Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector Installation
- Shop: Trailer Wiring Junction Box
- Shop: Combination LED Trailer Tail Light - Submersible - 6 Function - 11 Diodes - Passenger Side
- Shop: Optronics Thinline LED Trailer Fender Light w/ Bracket - Submersible - 10 Diodes - Amber/Red Lens
- Shop: LED Combination Tail Light Kit for Trailers under 80" Wide - Submersible - Driver and Passenger
- Q&A: Adding a 7-Way Trailer Connector, Junction Box, and LED Lights to a Trailer
- Search Results: 44~5310a
- Search Results: junction box
- Search Results: 7 wire plug
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between 7-Way RV and Utility Trailer Connectors
- Q&A: Why is There a Wire Color Differnce Between 7 Way Traditional vs RV Standard
- Search Results: ventline replacement
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: 25580
- Q&A: Adding Brakes to a Mobile Home Axle
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: 2022 Toyota Highlander Wiring for a 7-Way Blade Connector
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: 15123