Trailer Running Lights Go Out After Short Time Towing Trailer with a 2009 Toyota Highlander
Question:
Running lights work for about one-half hour then go out. The trun signals and stop lights are still working. I disconnect the plug and re and the lights come back on but go out again in ten minutes. Any ideals?
asked by: Paul C
Expert Reply:
This sounds like a possible ground problem or dirt/corrosion in the trailer side or vehicle side connectors. Ground issues can be fixed by checking the trailer connector and trailer light grounds and making sure they are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.
On the trailer connector pins you can use a sharp tool or wire brush small enough to fit and clean out the dirt and corrosion if present.
You can also check to see if the running light power draw is close to or exceeding the capacity of the trailer wiring harness on the vehicle side or the vehicle itself. If the trailer has a large amount of running lights then you can try reducing the number of lights as a test to see if that fixes the problem. If it does but you want to keep all the lights I recommend switching everything over to LEDs which have a much lower power draw.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Optronics Combination Trailer Tail Light - Submersible - 7 Function - Incandescent - Passenger Side
- Trailer Lights
- Tail Lights
- Rear Clearance
- Rear Reflector
- Side Marker
- Side Reflector
- Stop/Turn/Tail
- Rectangle
- Surface Mount
- Submersible Lights
- Incandescent Light
- 8-1/16L x 2-7/8W Inch
- Red
- Optronics
more information >
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Trailer Lights Trailer Detection System On a 2021 Chevrolet 2500HD
- Shop: Optronics LED Trailer Tail Light - Stop, Tail, Turn - Submersible - 10 Diodes - Red Lens
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Optronics LED Trailer Clearance and Side Marker Light w/ Reflex Reflector - 6 Diodes - Amber Lens
- Shop: Optronics LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light w/ Reflector - 6 Diodes - Rectangle - Red Lens
- Shop: B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer lights
- Q&A: Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Video: B and W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch with Slider Installation - 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- Search Results: junction box
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K
- Video: Choosing the Best Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Search Results: stl72rb
- Shop: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter to Replace Lippert Turning Point Pin Box on Jayco HT 30.5 CKTS
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Video: B and W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Installation - 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- Shop: B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: tail lights
- Video: Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness Installation - 2020 Chevrolet Silvera
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Q&A: What Info is Needed to See if Slider Hitch Fits Gooseneck Hitch in Truck Bed
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement