Troubleshooting Horse Trailer Lights That All Suddenly Stopped Working
Question:
Why would my lights just all quit working on my horse trailer. I didn’t blow a fuse. What else could
asked by: Chasey
Expert Reply:
The best way to troubleshoot your trailer lighting problem is to unplug the trailer from the tow vehicle and test each one individually.
If you have a circuit tester like # PTW2993 you can test the vehicle connector to make sure the lighting signals are reaching it. If not, then you know you need to check all fuses and relays related to towing and to inspect the wiring and connectors for signs of corrosion or a loose ground wire.
When all lights suddenly go out at the same time this could be caused by a loose ground since this would affect all lights at once. Find the main wiring ground wire and make sure it is tightly attached to a clean bare metal surface that is free of paint, primer, undercoating, grease, rust, etc.
The trailer can be tested with a spare battery or the one in the tow vehicle. Use some wire to apply power directly from the battery to the trailer connector contacts. Connect the negative terminal to the ground pin on the trailer and then one by one apply +12V power to each of the circuit pins. This will let you know if the trailer lights function without involving the vehicle's wiring. If the lights do not work when fed direct power, then check the main ground wire on the trailer and in the same way make sure it is tightly attached to a clean bare metal surface.
Dielectric grease like # 11755 can help protect electrical connections by blocking entry of water and other contaminants that can cause corrosion.
Products Referenced in This Question
Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring
- Dielectric Grease
- LubriMatic
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Continue Researching
- Shop: Vehicle Lights
- Video: Optronics Thinline LED Clearance and Side Marker Light Installation
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Horse Trailer Interior Lights Not Functioning
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer bulbs
- Search Results: side marker trailer light
- Search Results: bulbs
- Shop: Hook Probe Circuit Tester
- Shop: Thinline LED Clearance and Side Marker Light - Submersible - 3 Diodes - Rectangle - Red
- Shop: Peterson Trailer Tail Light w/ Grommet and Plug - Stop, Turn, Tail - Incandescent - Round - Red Lens
- Shop: Putco Mini-Halogen Bulbs - 921 - Mega Red - Qty 2
- Shop: CIPA EVO Formance T5 LED Dashboard Bulbs - Ultra White - Qty 5
- Shop: LED Trailer Fender Light - 2 Diodes - Amber and Red Lens
- Search Results: break away cable
- Q&A: No Running Lights on Horse Trailer
- Q&A: Trailer Running Lights Do Not Work but Brake Lights and Turn Signals Do Work
- Q&A: Hopkins 7-Way Trailer Connector to Older Featherlite Wiring Recommendation
- Shop: Optronics Halogen Utility Light - Post Mount - Flood Beam - Rectangle - Clear Lens
- Search Results: battery operated red lights
- Video: Curt Soft Trac Trailer Breakaway Kits Replacement 12-Volt Battery Review
- Video: Review of Hopkins Trailer Breakaway Kit - HM20121
- Q&A: Recommendations for Horse Trailer AC
- Q&A: How To Activate 12V Trailer Charge Circuit On 2019 Ford Super Duty With Factory 7-Way
- Q&A: Running Lights Not Working on 4 Star Trailer
- Video: Bright Way Trailer Breakaway Kits Replacement 12V 5 Ah Battery Review
- Video: LubriMatic Electrical Connector Dielectric Grease Review
- Video: Performance Tool Wiring - Tools for Wiring - PTW2992 Review
- Shop: RV Electrical
- Shop: RV Power Cord
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch