Troubleshooting No Running Lights on 2014 Bear Boat Trailer

Question:

Hey guys I have a 2014 Bear boat trailer, i have turn signals, and brake lights but no running lights. I replaced the pig tail plug in thinking I had a broken wire, but no success in restoring the running lights. I checked power from vehicle with meter and voltage is good. Thoughts on what could be the issue.

asked by: Shawn S

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since you know the voltage is good on your running light circuit coming from your vehicle, I recommend first checking the ground connection at your trailer to ensure you have a bare metal to metal connection that is free of rust, corrosion, or debris. Then I recommend using a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to trace the power on your running lights to check for power every few feet. If you lose power, you know you have a short. If you can trace the issue to a running light bulb, or fixture where power goes in but doesn't flow out, then you have found your issue. If the only lights you have are the taillights and the bulb is good, then you will want to check the ground at that fixture. Often the taillights have a ground connection through the mounting hardware, so you will want to make sure that is also a bare metal to metal connection.

The circuit tester will help you determine if you are getting power or not and then function will tell you if you have a solid ground connection or if you need to improve the connection.

expert reply by: Jason S