Trailer Towed By 2011 Chevy Silverado Has Brake Lights and Turn Signals Malfunctioning
Question:
Its a 2011 Silverado 2500 and a brand new 3 week old trailer. The truck has a 7 way and the trailer has a four way so i use an adapter. The adapter has a built in tester and all of the lights blink indicating they work. All of the running lights work currently but not the turn signals or brake light. All of the truck lights work fine. The trailer lights did work when i bought it, this is something that happened recently
asked by: Tony
Helpful Expert Reply:
As a first step, you will need to determine if the problem exists in the wiring of the truck, the adapter or the trailer.
Use a circuit tester with an incandescent bulb like part # PTW2993 on the pins in the 3:00 and 9:00 position in the 7-way. The 3:00 pin should light up when the right turn signal is activated, or the brake pedal is pressed. The 9:00 pin should show power when the left turn signal is turned on or the brake is pressed. If the 7-way checks out okay, plug in your adapter and test its pins while the various functions are activated. If the 7-way works fine, but not when the adapter is inserted, the adapter is bad and should be replaced.
If the 7-way is not showing power on those pins with the turn signals and brakes activated, check the fuses that protect the tow package circuits. The fuses are located in the power distribution box under the hood on the inside of the driver's side fender. Your owner's manual or the inside of the fuse box lid should show a diagram showing which fuse serves which purpose.
I have linked you to a trailer wiring and a troubleshooting article that you might find helpful.
If the 7-way and adapter check out okay, then the problem exists in the trailer wiring. Even though it is a brand-new trailer, there could be a wiring problem somewhere. Start at the trailer connector and trace each circuit along its path to the lamp it feeds. Look for pinched or broken wires, or any loose connections.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Twist-in, 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector for Chevy and GMC Vehicles - Vehicle End
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- Pollak
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