Improper Ground Connection Causing Lights to Malfunction on Utility Trailer
Question:
I bought a wiring kit for a utility trailer, inlcuding lights, all wires and a connector to the vehicle. The vehicle is a 2004 Ford Explorer with the towing package. I have power at the vehicle power in the wires at the tongue after making connection to the vehicle, but no lights of any kind at the tail lights, brakes, signals. the instrucitons say the lights are grounded through the bolts from the lights to the brackets. Everything was mounted using what came in the kit. Thoughts?
asked by: Gary H
Expert Reply:
Have you grounded the white wire to the tongue of the trailer? Check that connection, if it is loose or the point where the ground is connected is corroded, you will not have a sufficient ground connection which can cause the problems you are describing. The white wire from the trailer connector should be grounded to the trailer, and the light fixtures themselves are grounded by their physical connection to the trailer frame.
