Why are the Running Lights on My Trailer Not Working

Question:

I have brake lights and turn signals, but cant get the running lights to work.

asked by: Pete A

Expert Reply:

The first thing you will want to do is check all of your ground connections. Make sure that the ground connections on the vehicle and the trailer are connected to a clean, smooth metal surface. The best is to use the frame of the vehicle or trailer.

If there aren't any issues with the grounds and you're still having the issue, then you will want to test the pins on the trailer connector on your vehicle. For this you'll need a circuit tester like # PTW2993. This will tell us if the problem is with the vehicle or the trailer. If you do not have a signal when testing the running lights here then the problem is with your vehicle and finding the solution can depend on what year, make, and model you have, and also if you have a factory or aftermarket tow package in order to correct the problem.

If you have a factory tow package, you could have a blown running light fuse. Use your owner's manual to find the fuse and check it. If your tow package is aftermarket, you will have to follow the running lights wire as far as you can throughout the vehicle looking for any damaged or disconnected areas.

There's a video included to show you how use the circuit tester on each pin that may help you.

If everything on the trailer connector on your vehicle passes then the problem is with your trailer wiring. In which case you will need to manually inspect the wires of your trailer looking for any damaged or pinched locations on the circuit. If you find any damage along there you will need to replace that wire.

I've attached a Help Article on trailer wiring for you.

If you still haven't found a solution after going through this process, let me know what you have found out and we'll look into the issue further to try and resolve it.