Troubleshooting a Dump Trailer That Has No Working Taillights and License Plate Lights

Question:

have a 2011 appalachian dump trailer. brake lights and turn signals work. My front 2 running lights work but the rears and the licence plate lamp dont. Any idea on where to start looking?

asked by: Michael C

Expert Reply:

Mike, the first place I'd look is the fuse box and check to see if there are any fuses relating to your lights that are blown. If there are any, replace them and see if the problem resolves.

If not, the next thing I'd do is check that the light fixture is actually receiving power. If it's not then you have a damaged wire or wires somewhere that would need to be identified.

Once the wires are fixed then you shouldn't have any more issues, but if the wires got fixed, the lights getting power and still nothing - then the light itself is bad.

It also wouldn't hurt to double check your grounds and make sure they are good an not loose or all rusted out. Usually a weak ground or a failed ground can cause some funky things to happen, so while you're down there checking your wiring, go ahead and check that as well.

expert reply by: Bryce D