Troubleshooting Trailer Wiring Function with Vehicle

Question:

Have a new trailer, the vehicle blinked and brake light on right side work but not the trailer.

asked by: Jimmy B

Expert Reply:

Without knowing your vehicle, let's start with the basics. You will want to use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to test each function of your trailer connector when your trailer isn't connected. If all the functions work, then you will want to connect your trailer and test each function. If you are just missing the function on your right side tail light, then you will want to first check the ground connection on that tail light which at times has a separate ground wire but most of the time connects through the mounting hardware. That ground needs to be bare metal to bare metal. If the ground is good, then you will test that right turn and brake light wire every few feet searching for signal. When found, you will replace the short circuited wire with # 16-1-1 sold by the foot.

If your vehicle wiring isn't working correctly check your owners manual for fuses and relays that should be checked and may need replacing. I've attached a couple articles to assist.

expert reply by: Jason S