No Tail Lights On Boat Trailer When Parking or Headlights of 1995 Ford Truck Are On
Question:
I have a 95 ford 3/4 ton pickup. Am hooking up a boat trailer. I am using a 4 prong flat plug. White to ground, Green right turn, Yellow left turn, and brown, taillights. All lights work except the taillight when the headlight switch is on. I checked the fuses, all ok. New plugins on boat trailer and pickup. Solid connections on all wires. Any ideas? Thanks a bunch.
asked by: Ed
Expert Reply:
It sounds like you have a common ground problem. When the headlights are on, the highest amperage draw is placed on the wiring system and if you have a bad or loose ground, you will have problems with lights. You will want to inspect to make sure all the light assemblies have a good ground connection to a clean, rust and paint-free metal surface. You will also want to make sure the trailer and vehicle side connector have a good ground connection.
I would recommend unbolting the ground connections, and cleaning up the metal or relocating the ground connections to a clean metal surface.
If you are using a plastic license plate holder on the left side tail light, this could also be causing a ground issue and you will want to make sure the mounting bolts are making good contact with the trailer frame.
I have linked an FAQ on wiring which also has information on ground problems.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hopkins Endurance 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector w/ 48" Harness and Ergonomic Pull
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Vehicle End Connector
- 0 - 5 Feet Long
- Plug and Lead
- 4 Flat
- Hopkins
more information >
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Measuring a Trailer Tire
- Q&A: Recommended Tire Size for Upgrading Tires From 7.00-15LT on My Horse Trailer
- Q&A: Replacement for a TDE LP8500 Boat Trailer Acuator
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: How to Make a 6-Way Square to 4-Way Flat Trailer Wiring Adapter
- Q&A: Solution for Installing Curt Jack # C28304 on Trailer In Place of Snap Ring that is Different Size
- Q&A: Proper Position of Equalizer and Shackles on Trailer Suspension
- Q&A: Converting a 6-Way Rectangle Plug on a Monaco Diplomat to a 4-Way Flat for a Boat Trailer
- Q&A: How to Wire a Brake Controller to a 2003 Monaco Windsor Motorhome
- Article: Trailer Lighting Requirements
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Choosing the Right Suspension Kit for Your Truck and Trailer
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 6-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)