How To Wire a Trailer Taillight with 5 or 6 Wires When There Is Only 4 Wires on the Trailer
Question:
How to wire a new 5 wire tail light to a 4 wire system? 5 wires colors- Yellow Green Red Grey White
asked by: Heber W
Expert Reply:
The four wires on your trailer wiring harness likely have the following functions:
Yellow - Left Stop/Turn
Green - Right Stop/Turn
Brown - Running Lights
White - Ground
In regards to hooking a taillight up to these wires, you would simply match up the functions of the wires on the taillight to the functions of the wires on the trailer. The taillight should have come with a wiring diagram which tells you which each color wire represents. If you have different color wires than the above on the trailer you'd need to test them for function using a circuit tester. I can't speak for every light nor every trailer wiring harness so I'm not sure I'll be able to answer this question as specially as you like but I have attached below an example which should help.
The Triple LED Trailer Tail Light part # CE44VR for example has six wires with the following functions:
Red - Stop/Turn
White - Ground
Black - Running Lights
Purple - Reverse/Backup
The two red wires on the light would be tied together and attached to either the yellow or green wires on the trailer depending on which side of the trailer the light is located. The white wire on the light would be attached to the white wire from the harness if present on the frame via a ground screw. The tow black wires on the light would be tied together and then attached to the brown wire on the trailer. The purple wire is unused.
Products Referenced in This Question
Triple LED Trailer Tail Light - Stop, Tail, Turn, Backup - Red and Clear Lens - Qty 1
- Trailer Lights
- Tail Lights
- Stop/Turn/Tail/Backup
- Rectangle
- Non-Submersible Lights
- LED Light
- 14L x 6-7/8W Inch
- Red and White
- Command Electronics
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Parts Needed For Flat Towing a 2024 Ford Maverick Behind a 2010 Winnebago Journey With Air Brakes
- Q&A: Caliper Bolts for AL-KO/Hayes Disc Brake Caliper BP18-050
- Q&A: Replacement Oil Seal for AL-KO 568303
- Q&A: Does The Progressive Dynamics PD4655V Have A Lithium Jumper
- Q&A: Which Instructions Are Used Installing a Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay in a Ford F-150 w/ Neutral Tow
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: Recommended Diode for Charging Line From Motorhome to Towed Vehicle (Toad)
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer
- Article: Trailer Maintenance Schedule
- Q&A: What Gauge Wire does 4-Way Trailer Wiring Use
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2014-2015 Chevrolet Equinox