Troubleshooting Malfunctioning Trailer Lights
Question:
7 way plug. Power on 2017 Dodge Ram. Plug last used on 2007 Silverado 2 years ago.
asked by: Janie B
Expert Reply:
The first thing you need to do is determine if the problem is on the tow vehicle or the trailer. In order to do this, you will need to use a circuit tester like our part # PTW2993 and test the circuits of the 7-way on your vehicle.
If there is voltage there, then you know the problem is in the trailer wiring. I would start at the light assemblies and make sure the grounds are connected to a clean metal surface, or if the assembly's ground through the mounting hardware I would make sure the assemblies are attached to a clean metal surface as well. The next place to check would be the trailer connector. Check for corrosion or exposed wire that could cause a short. Besides that, you would need to check the condition of the wiring from the connector to the assemblies.
If when you tested the connector the voltage was not on the vehicle side connector then the problem is on the vehicle wiring. The best way to address this would be to start at the connector and work your way back to where the 7-way connector installs checking for anything obvious that would cause the 7-way to not function like corrosion or cut wire and fix as necessary.
![Jared P](https://images.etrailer.com/static/images/catg/people/1067_tn.jpg)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: How to Troubleshoot Your RV Air Conditioner
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Article: Troubleshooting 4 and 5-Way Wiring Installations
- Q&A: Will The Curt Dinghy Wire Harness # C96JR Interfere With Activation Of A Blue Ox Patriot
- Q&A: How to Make an Adapter to Go from Semi Truck 7-Way Round to RV Style 7-Way Blade on Trailer
- Q&A: How to Test Brake Controller without Trailer Connected
- Q&A: Wiring Needed For Operating Tail Lights On a 2023 Jeep Wrangler When Flat Towed Behind a Motorhome
- Q&A: Can the Curt Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit Be Used With LED Lights
- Q&A: How to Install a Brake Controller on a 2007 Ford F-150
- Q&A: Trailer Plug is a 4-Way Flat But there are 6 Wires