Troubleshooting Trailer Wiring After Installing Lights And Wiring

Question:

I had brake and turn signals. I replaced some lights and did some wiring. Now I have runing lights only. Help??

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

There could be a couple of reasons why the lights are not working now. You said you replaced some lights and wiring. I recommend checking all of the connections to make sure everything is secure and wired properly. You can use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to make sure all of the lights and wires are receiving current as designed. If everything checks out the problem is probably the ground connections.

Check the inside of the trailer connector for corrosion. If you find any green or white corrosion that may be the culprit. You will need to clean this corrosion out and make sure the connections are secure. If you are unable to clean the corrosion completely, you may need to replace the trailer connector. If you have a 7-way connector I recommend replacing it with the 7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector, 3-foot, item # H20042, or if a longer length of wire is needed the 8-foot trailer wire connector, item # H20046. for a 4-way connector I recommend part # HM38138.

You could also have a ground problem. Make sure that the white wire from the trailer connector is attached to a clean, bare metal part of the trailer frame. Then check all of the lights and their ground connections. If they are grounded through the mounting hardware you need to check for corrosion, there as well and clean as needed.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L