Troubleshooting Trailer Running Lights that Arent Working
Question:
I have a 1986 Chevy C20 with the 6.2 diesel. It appears to have a 4 pin connector with a 4 pin to 7 pin RV style connector. I hooked my trailer up to the truck for the first time and the trailer has turn signals and brake lights but no running lights... There is a white wire coming from the adapter and they have it grounded to the license plate light.... I was going to start with checking the plug and making sure the wires are in the correct spot for my trailer plug in. If that didnt solve it, I was going to move the ground to the bumper or frame. Ive never really messed with trailer wiring before so what would be a good point of action? Thanks
asked by: Glen E
Helpful Expert Reply:
You are on the right track, but typically when a trailer's running lights don't function it's because of a weak ground on the trailer.
Make sure that the trailer and vehicle side connector 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.
You can also use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to test for voltage on the running light pin as well just like in the video I attached.
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