Trailer Lights Acting Funny Is It a Ground Issue
Question:
Hi I have an issue with my wiring I cant determine if its a ground issue or a truck short.....truck light work fine when I have the trailer lights disconnect but once I connect the trailer lights with the parking lights on, on the truck the brake lights turn on and on the trailer nothing when I push on the brakes still nothing on the trailer when I put the right turn signal on with the parking lights on the trailer is good but on the truck the left and third brake light flashing slightly and the right working properly when I put the left turn signal with parking lights on on the trailer it is good but on the truck the right turn signal and third brake light flashing slightly and the left single like it should when I have the parking lights on and push the brakes with either turn signal works like it should it just flashes really slow and when I turn on the headlights with nothing on my truck brake lights and running lights stay on and nothing on the trailer when I push the brakes same on the truck and nothing on the trailer when I put left turn signal work like it should on trailer and on the truck the right and third brake light flash slightly and it flashes really slow and when I put my right turn signal eveything work like it should but the left and third brake light flash slightly and it also flashes slow when I push the brake light and but either turn signal work like it should just even slower when I have all the lights off on the truck and push the brakes the running lights on the trailer turn on and on the truck my license plate lights turn on also my side markers on the front and my dash inside the truck lights turn on also just to make it clear even when the turn signals would work properly just flash really slow the running lights on the trailer where never on the running lights only turned on when I had all the truck lights off now when I had all the lights off on the truck when I put the right turn signal all the lights would flash on the truck running and brake lights and third brake light and on the trailer it would flash right when I put the left turn signal all the truck lights would flash and on the trailer it would flash right when I still had all the lights off on the truck and I would press the brakes and put the left turn signal all the truck lights would flash including the front side marker and turn signal and on the trailer the right turn signal would flash if I put the right turn signal and have the brakes pressed all the truck lights would be flashing alone with the same front ones and on the trailer the left turn signal would turn on ..... ik its a long message but hope u can at least tell me if I have a bad ground or if I have a short in the truck this trailer i have used it with other vehicles and light would work fine with other vehicles so Im hoping its a bad ground and not a short in the truck......
asked by: Javier C
Expert Reply:
Everything you are describing here - the turn signals going slower, some lights activating when you activate certain light functions - points to a poor ground with your truck. The fact you have used the trailer with other trucks and have not had the same problem points to the ground being an issue.
You will want to check your harness ground and need to make sure your grounds are attached to bare metal surfaces and free of any paint, dirt or corrosion. I have added links to help articles for you to check out, and I also highly recommend, in order to keep your trailer connectors from going bad, using Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors # 11755.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring
- Dielectric Grease
- LubriMatic
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Trailer Lights Turning off When Brakes are Applied
- Q&A: Does Trailer Lighting Ground Through the Hitch Ball
- Q&A: Turn Signals on Trailer Not Working When Running Lights are On
- Q&A: Turn Signal on Trailer Stops Working when Headlights are On
- Search Results: 7 pin plug
- Search Results: 8.75x16.5 tire
- Search Results: trailer fender
- Shop: Single Axle Trailer Fender w Top Step - Style B - Black Plastic - 8" to 12" Wheels - Qty 1
- Shop: 7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector, 4' Long
- Shop: Mounting Brackets for Trailer Fender - 8" to 12" Wheels - Pre-Galvanized Steel - Qty 2
- Shop: Replacement Ultra Mount Stand for Western Snowplow
- Search Results: trailer wire
- Shop: Deka Wire - Jacketed 7-Wire - per Foot
- Search Results: trailer lights
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Video: Review of etrailer Trailer Fenders - Tandem Axle Fenders With Backing Plates - HP92VR
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: How Much PSI Should I Put In a 4.80 x 12 Trailer Tire
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Q&A: Will etrailer Hitch Receiver Fit a 2024 Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid
- Search Results: safety chains
- Video: etrailer Class III Trailer Hitch Installation - 2020 Honda CR-V
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Roof Rack
on Accessories and Parts
