Checking/Fixing Ground Connection on Trailer LED Light Bar
Question:
Dear E-Trailer, I have a 16, 3 light bar on the rear of my boat trailer. I noticed that one light was not working. Went to replace it and the new one would not work. Goofed around with the bar and all quit working. Move the bar and some would light, some dim some not at all. Put a wedge in the upper end of the bar and all light shine bright. I assume it is a ground but the ground looks good. The bar is 16 years old so maybe time for a new one with new ground. Thanks
asked by: Jim
Helpful Expert Reply:
From what you describe, it sounds exactly like a ground problem. You'll want to make sure the ring terminal on the ground wire is making contact with bare metal on the trailer frame. If there's paint or corrosion preventing the ring terminal from making good metal-metal contact, you'll only pick up the ground connections through the threads of the ground screw, which sometimes isn't sufficient.
To refresh a ground connection, I like to remove the ground screw, sand down the area around the hole down to bare metal. When you install the ground screw and the ring terminal, use a star washer between the ring terminal and the trailer frame. The star washer will bite into the metal, ensuring a good connection. Then, give the connection a quick shot of rust inhibiting spray paint.
I've linked to some help articles about trailer wiring.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
LED Identification Light Bar for Trailers over 80" Wide - Submersible - 9 Diodes - Red Lens
- Trailer Lights
- Clearance Lights
- Rear Clearance
- ID Bar
- Surface Mount
- Submersible Lights
- LED Light
- 15-15/16L x 1-1/2W Inch
- Red
- Optronics
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: LED Identification Light Bar for Trailers over 80" Wide - Submersible - 9 Diodes - Red Lens
- Q&A: How to Wire the Peterson Round Trailer Tail Light, # 431800 Using a 7-Way Connector
- Shop: Peterson Identification Light Bar - Submersible - Incandescent - Black Plastic Base - Red Lens
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: V-Shaped Identification Light Bar for Boat Trailers - Submersible - Red LEDs - Red Lens
- Shop: LED Trailer Tail Light - 6 Function - Submersible - 18 Diodes - Rectangle - Red Lens - Passenger
- Shop: Identification Light Bar for Trailers over 80" Wide - Submersible - 3 Diodes - Red Lens
- Shop: GLOLight LED Combination Trailer Tail Light - 6 Function - Submersible - 28 Diodes - Passenger Side
- Shop: Optronics LED Combination Trailer Tail Lights - Submersible - 40 Diodes - Driver and Passenger Side
- Video: Review of Peterson Trailer Lights - Clearance Lights - 428100
- Q&A: What Size Mounting Stud is Used with the Optronics LED Combination Trailer Tail Lights TLL160RK
- Video: Optronics Trailer Lights - Tail Lights - TLL160RK Review
- Video: Optronics LED Identification Light Bar Installation
- Q&A: Trailer Running Lights Do Not Work but Brake Lights and Turn Signals Do Work
- Q&A: Replacement Trailer Jack for Heritage Boat Trailer That Uses Welded-On Jack Mount
- Q&A: Troubleshooting No Running Lights on Trailer but Turn Signals and Brake Lights Work
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Search Results: 25580
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: safety chains
- Search Results: stl72rb
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: trailer lights
- Video: Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System Installation