Troubleshooting Right Tail Light on Trailer Staying On with Vehicle Turned Off

Question:

Ive got the 7way wired into a junction box. Then added trailer wires. Everything works ...but when I turn off the vehicle. All lights go out except the right rear. Tail light. So I have to unplug the 7way from the vehicle in order to diconnect the lights. Can you help

asked by: Ricky E

Expert Reply:

It sounds like there is some kind of short on the right rear tail light circuit that is causing it to stay powered even with the vehicle turned off. I recommend simply tracing the wiring going into the right tail light all the up the trailer if possible, checking for any frayed or exposed sections that might be causing the short. There might also be a power bleed over from the 12V pin, which could be at the connection or inside the junction box.

Also check to make sure the light assembly itself is securely grounded, whether it grounds through a dedicated wire or through its mounting hardware. Make sure it is attached to a clean, bare metal surface on the trailer that is free of any debris or corrosion.

If you are still unable to resolve the issue, please let me know and I will be happy to look into this further.

expert reply by: Chris R