Troubleshooting Trailer Lights Not Functioning
Question:
heil trailer has the electrical problem Of lights of parking,indicators and harzad
asked by: Moses
Expert Reply:
I'll give you the run down on how to troubleshoot your trailer lights not functioning.
The first thing to do is take a look at your owner's manual to locate any trailer fuses or relays and ensure they are all there and in working order. If they are, in order to determine the specific problem you will need to purchase a circuit tester if you do not have one - the very handy Cordless Circuit Tester # PTW2979 would be my strong recommendation due to how easy it is to use - and test the connector on your vehicle after disconnecting it from your trailer. Check the wiring going into your harness from your tail lights to see if those wires are carrying the correct signals, if not then the issue is with the vehicle wiring.
If the signals going to your harness are okay, you'll need to test the signals coming out of the harness, and if they are correct then your issue is likely going to be with the trailer side wiring. You will also want to check both your vehicle and trailer connectors for corrosion, which can be green or white in color. A build-up of corrosion can interfere with the signals getting through the connectors so if it is present you are going to need to either replace the plug or clean the corrosion. You'll also need to make sure your grounds are attached to bare metal surfaces and free of any paint, dirt or corrosion.
Finally, check your wiring thoroughly to ensure there are none that are crimped, broken or otherwise damaged. I have added links to a pair of help articles on trailer wiring, including a troubleshooting guide which I highly recommend taking a look at.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Continue Researching
- Video: Review of Performance Tool Tools - Cordless Rechargable Heat Gun - PT67FR
- Video: Pollak 7-Way to RV Socket LED Circuit Tester Review
- Search Results: heat shrink
- Search Results: 4 way
- Search Results: heat gun
- Search Results: circuit tester
- Shop: Pollak 7-Way to RV Socket LED Circuit Tester - Vehicle End
- Shop: Nozzle Kit for Performance Tool Heat Gun - 4 Pieces
- Shop: Heat Gun with USB Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery - Cordless
- Shop: Heat Gun - 572 to 932 Degrees - Dual Fan Speed - 12 Amp - 1,500 Watts
- Shop: Curt 7-Way to RV Socket LED Circuit Tester - Vehicle End
- Shop: Primary Wire Heat-Shrinkable Tubing - 14-10 Gauge - Black - 3/16" Diameter - 6" - Qty 25
- Shop: Trailer Wiring Junction Box
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Trailer Maintenance Schedule
- Article: Troubleshooting 4 and 5-Way Wiring Installations
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: Can Ground Wire for Trailer Lights be Connected to Main Ground Wire
- Q&A: Trailer Running Lights Do Not Work but Brake Lights and Turn Signals Do Work
- Q&A: Where Do Vehicle and Trailer Wiring Harness Ground Wires Connect
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: junction box
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: brake controller
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?