Troubleshooting Brake Lights and Turn Signals Not Working on Trailer when Using Adapter # 47549

Question:

I have an older trailer with a 6way and a truck new with 7 I can not get the brake lights or turn signals to work I purchased the adapter could it be bad

asked by: Justin

Expert Reply:

It could be that the converter is wired differently than what your trailer is set up for. What I recommend is inserting the adapter into the trucks 7-Way and then use a circuit tester, like # PTW2993, to test the pins on the outgoing side of the adapter.

Have someone sit in the truck and run through all of the functions, turn signals, brake lights, and running lights, while you test the pins. Compare the pin function/location with how the trailer is wired to determine if you need to do any re-wiring of either the trailer or the adapter. If you do not get any signals with the adapter, remove it and test the pins on the 7-Way. If they are working but no signals come through with the adapter in place, you know the adapter is bad.

If you do not get any signals at the trucks 7-Way without the adapter in place, then there could be a blown or missing fuse or a relay that is missing that is not allowing the tow package to be activated. You can check the vehicle owner's manual for the truck to see where the fuse and/or relay locations are under the hood.

expert reply by: Michael H