How To Troubleshoot A Faulty Right Turn Signal Wire

Question:

All my lights work properly on my vehicle but when I hook my trailer up the right turn/brake lights dont work but the running lights all do!!!. Check all fuses and they are good and all grounds are solid on bare metal what do I do???

asked by: Tim

Expert Reply:

The first thing you will need is a circuit tester like part # PTW2993. Once you have a circuit tester, go to the rear of the vehicle and locate your trailer connector. Have a friend sit in the vehicle and activate the right turn signal. Test the wire for the right turn signal/brake light just before the connector on the vehicle to see which wire is responsible for this function. If the light on the tester does not illuminate, the problem is on the vehicle side of the circuit. If the wire responsible for the right turn signal does illuminate the tester, the problem is on the trailer end.

If the problem is on the vehicle end, you will need to trace back the right turn signal wire to the taillight to ensure the wire is intact and not severed. You will also need to ensure the wire is securely placed into the trailer connector end.

If the vehicle side is working properly, you will want to do the same procedure for the trailer side. Don't forget to check the bulb in the trailers right brake light first in addition to corrosion between the connectors. This should allow you to locate the problem.

I have attached our wiring help article for your review.

expert reply by: Conner L