Troubleshooting Low Voltage/Dim LED Trailer Lights from New Harness
Question:
I recently bought tail lights part #TLL160RK and installed everything as directed. However, the tail light LEDs are very dim and turn signals and brake lights do not function. Using a multi-meter, I tested the voltage coming out of the vehicle adapter for tail lights ~13v and right/left turn signals flashing up to 12v. I then connected the harness for the Optronics kit and saw a significant voltage at the end of the wiring run: tail ~5-6v and turn signals flashing to 5v. I then tested the new wiring harness closer to the vehicle near the tongue where I will put side-lights and get the same voltage readings as at the end of the wiring run. I used the same location on the trailer as ground for all tests. I then check the old wiring harness that I had replaced. Tail lights ~11.5v and turn signals flashing to 10-11v. The old harness is a heavier gauge wire than the new Optronics harness so I went back to the old harness and re-installed. Now that I get more voltage to the lights, the LEDs are definitely brighter not stellar but still no turn signal or brake lights, and no license plate light. How sensitive to voltage are the LED lights? This is taking much longer than it should. Hoping you can help. Vehicle is a 2005 F150.
asked by: Sean B
Expert Reply:
You will need to get at or very near 12 volts in order for the Optronics Trailer Tail Lights part # TLL160RK to illuminate properly. What I would recommend you first do is check the grounds of the trailer and the assemblies themselves.
You want to make sure the main trailer ground is connected to a clean metal surface on the trailer frame. This is the ground strap that runs from the connector on your trailer to the frame.
The ground wires of the assemblies need to be connected to a clean metal surface as well.
I attached an FAQ on troubleshooting trailer wiring for you to check out as well.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Optronics LED Combination Trailer Tail Lights - Submersible - 40 Diodes - Driver and Passenger Side
- Trailer Lights
- Tail Lights
- License Plate
- Rear Clearance
- Rear Reflector
- Side Marker
- Side Reflector
- Stop/Turn/Tail
- Rectangle
- Surface Mount
- Submersible Lights
- LED Light
- 8L x 3W Inch
- Red
- Optronics
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Options for Adding Interior Lighting to Enclosed Cargo Trailer
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Single Rocker Switch - On/Off - Black
- Search Results: breakaway battery box
- Shop: RV Interior Lighting
- Q&A: Trailer Wiring Requirements for Using Multiple LED-Type Trailer Lights
- Shop: Curt Soft Trac I Trailer Breakaway Kit
- Shop: TorkLift PowerArmor Locking Battery Box - 6V and 12V Lithium Batteries - Powder Coated Aluminum
- Shop: Bright Way Trailer Breakaway Kit with 0.5-Amp Charger and 5 Ah Battery
- Shop: Opti-Brite 12V/24V LED RV Dome Light - Single - Surface or Recessed - 13-1/2" Long - White Trim
- Shop: Curt Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-In Battery Charger - Side Load
- Shop: Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-In Battery Charger - Top Load
- Q&A: Troubleshooting LED Lights Not Working On Trailer
- Article: Troubleshooting 4 and 5-Way Wiring Installations
- Q&A: Should Trailer Running Lights Be Dim
- Q&A: Trailer Lights are Dim Just on One Side of Trailer
- Q&A: Turn Signals on Trailer Not Working When Running Lights are On
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Trailer Taillights that Dont Blink When Running Lights are On
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Search Results: trailer lights
- Search Results: 44649
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: 25580
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System Installation
- Search Results: 68149
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
on Trailer Lights
