Troubleshooting Camper Trailer Taillights Not Working
Question:
I have a 2009 ford F250 with a fifth wheel camper. The turn signals and brake lights work, but not the running lights . I have been checking fuses for two days and cannot find any broken ones,
asked by: Marvin S
Expert Reply:
First let's figure out if the problem is on the trailer or the tow vehicle side of the wiring. You will need to use a circuit tester like our part # PTW2993 to test the functions of the trailer wiring harness on your 2009 Ford F250. Check out the video I attached to the right to see how this is done. While your testing the running light pin on your tow vehicle make sure the connector is clean and free of corrosion. Do the same for the trailer's connector.
If the problem is on the tow vehicle then most likely it's fuse like you have already looked for or a short somewhere between the wiring and the connector of the tow vehicle.
If the problem is on the trailer then most likely the problem is the grounds of the taillight assemblies. Make sure they are connected to a clean metal surface. Also make sure the wiring from the taillight assemblies to the trailer connector is free from cuts or exposed wire that would cause a short.
Most likely the problem is corrosion related in the trailer connector.
I attached an FAQ on troubleshooting 4-way installs for you to check out as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
4-Way Flat Trailer Connector w/ 60" Harness and Wire Taps
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Vehicle End Connector
- 0 - 5 Feet Long
- Plug and Lead
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Progressive Dynamics 4100 Series RV Converter w/ Charge Wizard and AC/DC Distribution Panel - 35 Amp
- Search Results: fvk1020~19
- Search Results: valterra
- Q&A: My 2017 Ford F-150 Reads Trailer Module Fault and Turn Signal Faults, and Trailer Lights Don’t Work
- Q&A: Troubleshooting 2017 Ford F-250 Error Message for Trailer Lighting Module
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Intermittent LED Tail Lights
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller Not Recognizing Trailer Connection
- Q&A: Trailer Running Lights Do Not Work but Brake Lights and Turn Signals Do Work
- Video: Review of Peterson Trailer Lights - Tail Lights - M426R
- Q&A: Testing a Vehicle Side 7-Way Trailer Connector for Proper Function
- Shop: Optronics Trailer Tail Light - Stop, Turn, Tail - Submersible - Incandescent - Round - Red Lens
- Shop: Peterson Trailer Tail Light w/ Grommet and Plug - Stop, Turn, Tail - Incandescent - Round - Red Lens
- Shop: Optronics LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light - Submersible - 3 Diodes - Round - Red Lens
- Shop: Peterson Trailer Tail Light - Weatherproof - Stop, Turn, Tail - Incandescent - Round - Red Lens
- Shop: ONE LED Trailer Tail Light - Stop, Tail, Turn - Submersible - Round - Red Lens
- Shop: Valterra RV Waste Valve Cap - 3" - Black
- Search Results: 44649
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Solution to Replace WFCO 8735P to Charge Lithium Batteries
- Video: Review of Progressive Dynamics RV Converters - Power Control Center AC/DC Panel Charger - PD4135K
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Progressive Dynamics RV Power Control Center Installation - 2020 Taxa Mantis Travel Trailer
- Search Results: 68149
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: progressive dynamics
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Progressive Dynamics RV Power Control Center Installation - 2017 Airstream Flying Cloud Travel Trail
- Video: Review of Progressive Dynamics RV Converters - Power Converter W Charge System - PD4045KA
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)