Trailer Brakes and Running Lights Not Working on Trailer Towed by a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500

Question

Question:

Hi I have a 1998 dodge ram 1500 with a 7 prong trailer plug. the running lights are not working and the electric trailer brakes work some of the time. Could this be the plug or the wiring?

asked by: Wallace M

0

Expert Reply:

It sounds like there could be a ground problem and/or a fuse or relay problem. First, you can check the owners manual or the legend on the lid of the power distribution box to find the locations of any fuses/relays related to the tow package wiring to determine if any of them control the trailer running lights and need to be replaced.

Back at the connectors, make sure both the trailer side and truck side connectors are clean and corrosion free. Corrosion can also build up around the backs of the plugs where the wires attach. This could explain the intermittent operation of the trailer brakes and the running lights to fail.

You will also want to check the main trailer connector ground on the trailer and make sure it is attached to a clean and corrosion free bare metal surface. You will also want to check the grounds at the trailer lights. Many trailer lights ground through the mounting studs unless there is an obvious ground wire.

Then you will want to check the brake magnet wiring. Look for any nicks in the power wires and make sure the grounds are connected to clean, corrosion-free bare metal surfaces. You can further test the magnets by following the FAQ article I have linked for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

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