Troubleshooting Dim Trailer Left Turn Signal
Question:
When I use my left turn signal it’s dim but bright with the breaks and running lights. When I jump it with a jumper from power to left turn pin it lights up. If I use an isolated box with a 7way tester it works but when I hook up to truck it’s dim. Ruth turn and break works fine only the left. Could I have a grounding issue with the trucks 7way?
asked by: Kenneth H
Expert Reply:
Yes, this could possible be an issue. Sometimes a faulty ground can limit the amount of current that can flow to the lights. It can also cause your lights to behave in unpredictable ways.
My recommendation would be to hook up a 12V, well charged, battery directly to your trailer connector. Apply the negative terminal to the connector ground and then apply the positive terminal to the different light pins. If the lights are still dim, your problem is in the trailer wiring. If this is the case, you should check your trailer's ground wire first. It should be clean and attached to a bare metal surface. If you have corrosion, you can sand off that spot. You also might want to sand off any paint, so you can attach the ground wire to the bare metal at that point. You can use solvent to remove any grease or contaminants from the wire. The last thing you should do is to apply dielectric grease, part # LT37534, to your connection.
If you have a multimeter, you can check the voltage on your trailer connector. If you read less than 12V, you can check the ground on your vehicle as well.
I have included a product description link, a video demo link, and a weblink about trailer wiring below.
Products Referenced in This Question
Loctite Bulb, Lamp, and Electrical Connection Dielectric Grease - 0.33-Oz Tube
- Accessories and Parts
- Wiring
- Dielectric Grease
- Loctite
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Optronics LED Trailer Tail Light - Stop, Tail, Turn - Submersible - 10 Diodes - Red Lens
- Trailer Lights
- Tail Lights
- Stop/Turn/Tail
- Oval
- Recessed Mount
- Submersible Lights
- LED Light
- 6-1/2L x 2W Inch
- Red
- Optronics
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Left Turn Signal Light on Trailer that Is Dim But Not With Brake Lights
- Article: Troubleshooting 4 and 5-Way Wiring Installations
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: GloLight LED Trailer Tail Light - Stop, Tail, Turn - Submersible - 22 Diodes - Oval - Red Lens
- Shop: Optronics LED Clearance or Side Marker Light w/ Reflex Reflector - Submersible - 8 Diodes - Red Lens
- Shop: Optronics LED Trailer Tail Light - Stop, Turn, Tail - Submersible - 6 Diodes - Oval - Red Lens
- Shop: LumenX LED Trailer Tail Light - Weatherproof - Stop, Tail, Turn - 10 Diodes - Red Lens - 12V/24V
- Shop: LED Trailer Clearance and Side Marker Light w/ Flange - Submersible - 5 Diodes - Round - Amber Lens
- Shop: GloLight LED Trailer Tail Light - Stop, Tail, Turn - Submersible - 22 Diodes - Oval - Red Lens
- Shop: Roadmaster Brite-Lite Wiring Converter
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Q&A: How To Attach A Ground Wire To Trailer Frame
- Q&A: Turn Signals on Trailer are Dim and Not Work with Running Lights On
- Q&A: Replacement Multi-Function LED Trailer Light for Glo-Brite 9852-88
- Q&A: Where Do Vehicle and Trailer Wiring Harness Ground Wires Connect
- Q&A: Preferred Method of Grounding Trailer Lighting Circuits
- Q&A: Would Optronics Light STL72RB Fit as Replacement for Command Electronic 003-5400
- Video: Optronics Trailer Lights - Tail Lights - STL72RB Review
- Video: Optronics LED Trailer Tail Light Installation STL72RB
- Video: Review of Optronics Trailer Lights - Oval Backup Light - OPT72ER
- Video: Optronics Trailer Lights AL145PWTB Review
- Video: Optronics Miro-Flex LED Trailer Tail Light Installation
- Video: Optronics GLOLight LED Trailer Light Review STL111RMB
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: 44649
- Search Results: 25580
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Brake Controller
on Trailer Lights
