Trailer Lights Stop Working When Headlights are Turned On with a 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
Question:
Ive installed a 4 pole wiring harness on my trailer and connected to my 07 Chevy Avalanche via a 7-to-4 pole adapter. The lights work fine during the day, but they wont work at night. If I turn off the light on my Chevy, the trailer lights will work. Can you help me figure this out? Thanks.
asked by: Jorge P
Expert Reply:
The most likely cause of your problem is a bad ground connection. It has enough of a connection that it works in the day time because you have less current draw on those circuits with the head lights off. As soon as the headlights are on, you are pulling more current than the weak ground can support.
Check the ground connections on the trailer wiring. Make sure you have good metal to metal contact. Paint and corrosion can act as insulators so make sure the grounds are touching clean metal. Check the grounds of the lights themselves as well as the ground wire that goes to the 4-Way trailer connector.
Finally, check the vehicle. Trace the ground wire from the 7-Way and make sure it has good contact with the Avalanche frame. Again, check for corrosion and clean it up if you find some.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
20 Ft 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness - Wishbone Style - 30" Ground
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- 11 - 20 Feet Long
- Plug and Lead
- 4 Flat
- Optronics
more information >
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: Why Does 4-Pin Trailer Wiring Have 5 Wires
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Q&A: Recommendation For Electric Jack For 15,000-lbs Gooseneck Horse Trailer With Living Quarters
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: Recommended Replacement For An Atwood GC6AA-10E Water Heater
- Article: Troubleshooting 4 and 5-Way Wiring Installations
- Article: Converting Your RV Water Heater to Tankless
- Q&A: 4-Way Trailer Connector that has 5 Wires
- Q&A: Do Trailer Hubs have a Speed Rating for Use on a Boat Trailer and Highway
- Q&A: Trailer Taillight Lens Recommendation to Replace AISTP2 85
- Q&A: Where Exactly to Install Pacer Performance PP20-702 3rd Brake Light Logic Module
- Article: Routing the Power Wire for a Trailer Wiring Harness