Trailer Brake Lights Stopped Working After Adding Additional LED Trailer Lights
Question:
Im getting ready to add LED brake lights to Scamp trailer as extra lights up higher above the bike rack. Existing rear lights have the usual 3 wires - running lights, brake/turn signal and ground. The odd thing is once I spliced into these wires the original brakelights stoped working but the running lights and turn signals still work. I need to get brakelights working again before adding these LEDs. Why other lights but no brakelights on the same bulb? Puzzling. Thanks.
asked by: Mike
Expert Reply:
The brake lights on the trailer draw more power than the running lights or turn signals so the problem could be that the extra lights are creating too much draw on the system which is not allowing them to work. You may need to use a powered converter that draws power for the trailer lights directly from the tow vehicle battery instead of through the vehicle wiring system. There are several available depending on the year, make, and model of your vehicle.
There could also be a ground problem. If the ground was somehow interfered which during the installation of the other lights, it could cause the problem. Most trailer lights ground through the mounting studs if there is not an obvious ground wire. In either case, wire or stud, make sure the ground is on a bare metal surface and free of any dirt or corrosion. Also make sure the new lights are grounded properly as well. Without a proper ground, the circuit cannot be completed correctly and there could be any number of malfunctions. I have included a link to a wiring FAQ that should help as well.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Optronics Streamline LED Trailer Tail Light - Submersible - 3 Function - 11 Diodes - Red Lens
- Trailer Lights
- Tail Lights
- Stop/Turn/Tail
- Oval
- Surface Mount
- Submersible Lights
- LED Light
- 17L x 1-1/2W Inch
- Red
- Optronics
more information >
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