Trailer Has Separate Turn Signals that Come On with Brake Lights
Question:
Bought a used Coleman pop-up camper and just got a hitch installed in our Nissan Quest.... Both running lights and directionals are working fine, but when we step on the brakes, the amber directional lights light up? This happened when we tried it with several vehicles/hitches....so thinking problem is in the camper wiring.... Any advice?
asked by: Karen
Expert Reply:
If the Coleman pup has separate turn signal lights then that is the issue. Trailers typically have what is called a 2-wire system with the brake lights and turn signals on each side sharing the same circuit and bulb. Either someone tried to install amber turn signals on the trailer but did not realize that it works on a 2-wire system, or they wired in the turn signals to the brake lights because the vehicle side connector had a 2-wire system and they could not operate the separate turn signals.
If you want the separate turn signals to work you will need to install a converter, # 118158. You would take the combined left turn and brake light wire on the trailer and attach it to the yellow input wire on the converter. The right turn and brake light wire on the trailer would go to the converter green wire.
On the output side, the red wire would go to the brake lights on both sides of the trailer. Yellow would go to left turn signal and green to right turn signal.
Products Referenced in This Question
Vehicle to Vehicle Tail Light Converter
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Mounting Hardware
- Brackets
- 7 Round
- 7 Round
- Tow Ready
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Adapter 7-Pole to 4-Pole and 5-Pole
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring Adapters
- Multi-Function Adapter
- 7 Round - Blade
- Plug Only
- 4 Flat
- 5 Flat
- Hopkins
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: All Trailer Lights Come on When Brake Is Pressed and All Lights Blink with Turn Signal
- Shop: DeeZee Specialty Series Trailer Tongue Tool Box - A-Frame - Plastic - 6 Cu Ft - Black
- Q&A: Brake Controller Wire Functions By Wire Color
- Q&A: Trailer Brake Lights Work But Turn Signals Do Not Work
- Q&A: Can 7-Way Trailer Plug be Wired with Separate Brake Light Circuit
- Q&A: Do Trailer Running Lights and Brake Lights Run on Same Circuit
- Q&A: Turn Signals on Trailer Work Opposite of Truck With Brake Applied
- Q&A: Do I Need an Electric Brake Controller to Tow a Trailer with Brakes if My Truck Has a Factory 7-Way
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Buyers Products Trailer Tongue Toolbox - Black - 18 x 19 x 36
- Shop: RC Manufacturing T-Series Trailer Tongue Tool Box - A-Frame - Aluminum - 2.6 Cu Ft - Silver
- Search Results: a~frame trailer tool box
- Shop: Pack'Em Wheel Tie-Down Kit for Truck Beds and Trailers - 30" Tires - 800 lbs
- Shop: 2" Lubed Dust Cap & Rubber Plug - 1.99" x 1.40" x 1.18" - Qty 1
- Shop: Tandem Axle Trailer Fenders - Rounded Edges - Steel - 14" to 15" Wheels - Qty 2
- Shop: Tandem Axle Teardrop Trailer Fenders - Rounded Edges - Steel - 15" to 16" Wheels - Qty 2
- Search Results: fender backing
- Search Results: trailer fenders
- Search Results: fender cover
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: 44649
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: 25580
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: 68149
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch