Troubleshooting Trailer Passenger Side Tail Light Getting Too Hot

Question:

Ive just replaced my old utility trailer lights and wiring with a Blazer, non-led trailer lighting kit. However, Im having an issue with the right or passenger side tail light. The light does come on and works. However, when I turn the vehicles light switch from auto to full time lights, the blinker stops working or is very faint, the light gets brighter, and the light housing gets extremely hot. So hot, that after a few minutes you almost cant keep your hand on it. Ive done my best to clean up all the ground areas from rust. I did take the new light off and replace with the old light just to see what would happen and the old light blinker works in either auto or full on light mode, but still gets hot. Just weird and I cant seem to figure it out. Hoping you might have a suggestion before I have to take it to the shop.

asked by: Craig

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have an issue with the voltage coming from your vehicle. I recommend putting a multimeter like # PT89ZR on it to see if the voltage from side to side is different for each function. It sounds like they aren't consistent from driver's side to passenger side, but they should be. I also recommend checking the trailer connector on the vehicle when the trailer isn't connected in both auto and full time lights for each pin to compare.

If you are getting different readings at your trailer connection for left side and right side while not in auto then you should have your vehicle checked out as there is something not working properly. If the difference is only once the trailer is connected then you will want to double check each wire as it appears one is either crossed or is slightly grounding (shorting) to your frame somewhere enough to get extremely hot but not enough to blow a fuse yet.

expert reply by: Jason S