Trailer Lights Not Working Correctly Using a 2004 Chevy Silverado

Question

Question:

I recently started having a problem with my factory installed trailer lighting, I have gone through the system and no matter what I try it isnt working. It seems like my Ground wire in the harness is all burned up. I have been using it for years and now I have a major malfunction. is there any way to change the ground up to the front or can I bypass the factory system?

asked by: Donald S

0

Expert Reply:

First, we need to figure out if the problem is on your 2004 Chevy Silverado or on the trailer. To do that disconnect the trailer and we can focus on the truck side trailer connector.

Since you think it may be a ground issue you can use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993. Attach the clip to the ground pin (if looking at the pins in a 7-Way trailer connector it is the pin in the 7 o'clock position). You would then go through the lighting functions by having someone sit in the truck and turn the running lights on, brake lights, turn signals, while you test. If the ground was bad, they would not light up the test light or would only partially work.

While you are at the trailer connector take a minute to clean the connector of any dirt or corrosion inside and out. Make sure you inspect the wires going into the back of the connector for corrosion as well.

If everything is working on the vehicle side, then that means the problem is on the trailer. Make sure its connector is also clean and free of corrosion inside and out. If you suspect a ground issue, there are some things you can do. 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. I have linked a couple of help articles that should also help.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

Answer 1

I used a search engine to find the owner's manual for a 2004 Chevy Silverado, and based on the online manual I saw it looks like the fuse marked "TRL PARK" is the fuse you are looking for. This is in the underhood fuse…

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Answer 2

You will need to do some measuring to determine if the 10 Inch Electric Brake Assembly LH, item #AKEBRK-35L, is the correct assembly for your trailer. Measure the diameter of the mounted brake shoe, the width of the lining and the distance between…

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Answer 3

Your brake lights and turn signals for each side are on one circuit. The left side turn signal and brake light is generally the yellow wire going into your trailer connector. The first thing to do is check the fuses on your tow vehicle. Next,…

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Answer 4

First, I would not immediately dismiss a bad ground simply because there are so many of them in an electrical system that could be faulty. While there may be some fluctuation in the voltage when the turn signal is cycling on and off, it seems like…

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Answer 5

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

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Answer 6

Most often the root cause for issues with trailer lighting is a weak ground. Strange as it may sound, a loose or rusty/corroded ground can cause a vehicle's trailer wiring harness to badly misbehave and shut down some functions. It may also just…

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Answer 7

Most likely the issue you're having with your trailer lights not functioning is due to a weak ground. The tester you use on the truck's socket does not draw much power at all, nowhere near the current drawn by the actual trailer lights when…

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Answer 8

In the USA a tandem axle utility trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 7500-lbs should have brakes installed. Any trailer over 3000-lbs must have brakes on all wheels in most states, but laws do vary. Some states require braked axles…

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Answer 9

It looks like on pages 5-126 and 5-127 or your owner's manual there is the TBC BATT fuse in the fuse box that is under the hood. This is called the Truck Body Controller Battery Feed and looks to be the only fuse title that might affect the…

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Answer 10

I attached a picture that shows the pin out diagram for the Pollak 5th Wheel / Gooseneck T-Connector with 7-Pole #PK11893-11932 that you referenced.

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Answer 11

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 12

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Trailer Lights Not Working Correctly Using a 2004 Chevy Silverado

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