Troubleshooting Running Lights on Trailer Not Working After Swapping to LED Lights

Question:

New LED lights on utility trailer. Turn signals work as well as brake lights, but not the running lights. Could I just put one resistor in-line up near the hitch that would work on both lights, or does each light need its own resistor?

asked by: Jim C

Expert Reply:

It is not necessary to install load resistors on a trailer that had it's bulb type swapped from incandescent to LED. Most likely you just need to ground the running light circuit or there is a short on it somewhere to cause it to not function properly.

First thing you should do at this point is test the 4-way of the wiring harness with a circuit tester part # PTW2993 for voltage on all of the right pins when the taillight signals are being applied. Just like in the video I attached.

If the voltage checks out there but the trailer lights still don't function right then the problem is on the trailer wiring. That would mean that problem is either due to a ground issue or a short issue.

Make sure that the trailer side connector are clean and free of corrosion inside and out. The main connector grounds should be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. The light grounds should also be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. If there is anything between a light ground and the metal trailer frame or if the trailer has an aluminum frame, tilt bed, or folding tongue, any of these things can interrupt the ground. Running jumper wires from the light grounds to the main trailer connector ground can help.

If the problem is on the vehicle side then I would first recommend you double check how the harness is installed on your vehicle, make sure all of the connections are good and tight. You should check all towing related fuses and relays as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C