Trailer Lights Not Working and Brake Lights Only Work with Ignition Turned Off
Question:
1999 Chevy K1500 - I have the proper connector changing a 4 wire flat vehicle to a 6 wire trailer. Everything worked great last weekend. I hooked it up last evening and it is not working properly. The brake lights work only when the ignition is off and non of the other lights are working at all. Any idea what the issue may be? Thank you!!!
asked by: Nick H
Expert Reply:
This sounds like a ground issue and possibly a short somewhere. 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.
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.
Inspect the wiring on the trailer and truck side (as much as you are able) and fix any broken or pinched wires.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver For A 2024 Kia Soul
- Q&A: Correct Trailer Hitch for 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
- Q&A: Does Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Fit 2023 Kia Soul LX
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Recommended Hitch for a 2023 Kia Soul
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Wiring Harness and Towing Equipment for 2022 Kia Soul LX
- Q&A: Trailer Wiring Harness For 2020 Kia Soul With LED Lights
- Q&A: Towing Small Jon Boat with 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Article: Routing the Power Wire for a Trailer Wiring Harness
- Article: What Do I Need To Tow A Trailer?
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams