Right Side Trailer Lights Do Not Work with Vehicle Head Lights On

Question:

just installed new curt hitch and curt wiring plug in # 56183 on 2012 jeep liberty. bought 7 pin to 4 pin adapter from you which I also grounded like instructed. When I plug in my camper the right rear light does not work when headlights are on .If I turn off headlights the turn signal and brake lights work. but with headlights on or auto headlights on the right side does not work at all. other than that the left side works fine as do all the running lights except right light

asked by: Brett F

Expert Reply:

This sounds like a ground issue. 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.

expert reply by: Michael H