Trailer Lights Not Working After Installing New Lights and Wiring
Question:
I have a 2002 Ford Ranger just put new wire harness and lights on my trailer but now neither lights work when I turn on the turn signal in the truck.I did check all the fuses in the cab of the truck,but the fuses under the hood you cant tell if they are bad.Could it be a bad wire harness that comes from the truck?.
asked by: LEE M
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 but can show up any time.
To determine if the issue is in fact a ground problem and not the vehicle side trailer connector you can test the truck side using a circuit tester such as # PTW2993. I have linked a help article on testing vehicle side connectors for you.
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.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Combination LED Trailer Tail Light - Submersible - 6 Function - 11 Diodes - Passenger Side
- Trailer Lights
- Tail Lights
- Rear Reflector
- Side Marker
- Side Reflector
- Stop/Turn/Tail
- Square
- Surface Mount
- Submersible Lights
- LED Light
- 5L x 5W Inch
- Red
- Optronics
more information >
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Troubleshooting LED Lights Not Working On Trailer
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Our Team Picked The Best Camping Gear of the Year - Here Are Their Top Choices
- Article: Trailer Lighting Requirements
- Q&A: Hub And Drum Replacement for 90865 Rockwell Hub and Drum
- Article: 7 Common Questions Everyone Has About Trailer Tires
- Q&A: Solution to Replace 8k Kodiak XL NevR Lube Hub Drums
- Q&A: Is There A Way To Determine The Key Code For A Bauer Products Entry Door Lock
- Q&A: Recommended Flat Towing Components For A 2024 Chevy Trax
- Q&A: Replacement For TDE-LP750 Trailer Actuator
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Troubleshooting 4 and 5-Way Wiring Installations
- Q&A: Correct Replacement for TDE 46210 Trailer Hub
- Article: Trailer Maintenance Schedule