How to Wire New Trailer Taillights with Two Black and One Red Wire
Question:
I have two black wires and one red wire coming off each new tail light but nothing to tell me what the wires are for. Can you help with that? Also, I get only tail lights, no brake lights or turn signals. Any ideas.
asked by: Mike B
Expert Reply:
Of the three wires, one would be the ground, one for the turn signal/brake light, and the third for the running lights. I am not familiar with the wire colors you describe. Your best bet would be to connect to the existing wires in differing combinations until the lamp works correctly.
The first step in diagnosing the wiring problem would be check the wires leading to each fixture to ensure that the signal is getting through. Typically, there will be a yellow and a brown wire on the driver's side, and a green and a brown wire on the passenger side. Use a circuit tester such as part # PTW2993, to verify that the proper signal is reaching the attachment points for each lamp. If you are not getting a signal on the green or yellow wire on each side, you will want to test the trailer connector on the vehicle to make sure the signals are properly leaving the vehicle. Check the connector itself to ensure it is not corroded or damaged.
Products Referenced in This Question
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Curt Safety-Chain Loops for Gooseneck Hitches on 5th Wheel Rails - 20,000 lbs
- Search Results: led brake light strip
- Video: Optronics Streamline LED Trailer Light Installation
- Shop: Hot-Line LED Third Brake Trailer Light Bar w/ Reflector - Stop, Turn, Tail - Submersible - Red Lens
- Shop: Replacement Black Top with Glass Cover for Furrion 2-in-1 Range Oven
- Shop: Replacement Stainless Steel Top with Glass Cover for Furrion 2-in-1 Range Oven
- Shop: Furrion Propane RV Range with Glass Cover - 3 Burners - 21" Tall - Stainless Steel
- Q&A: Red, Black, and White Wire Functions on Old Trailer Light
- Shop: Safety Chains for Ranch Hitch 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter
- Video: Review of Hopkins 7-Way Blade to 6-Way Round Pin Wiring Adapter - 47549
- Video: Curt Gooseneck C16000 Review
- Shop: Adapter 7-Pole to 6-Pole - Universal
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Installing Trailer Marker Light With Two Black Wires
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: How to Wire a Replacement 7-Way for a Gooseneck Trailer
- Q&A: Working Running Lights, But No Turn Signals or Brake Lights On Trailer
- Q&A: How to Install New Trailer Lights that Only Have One Wire
- Q&A: How to Wire 3 Wire Trailer Tail Lights
- Q&A: How To Replace a Trailer Clearance Light With One Wire Using a Light With Two Wires
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: brake controller
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Tow Ready 4-Pole Mounting Bracket Installation
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Search Results: 90160
