Trailer lights off completely - Where to start?
- Thread starter blake_a
- Start date
Jammer
Member
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogz86q0n1tc
I'd just add, check the bulbs first. Keep It Simple First.
I'd just add, check the bulbs first. Keep It Simple First.
I would check the ground connection first. See if you have 12volts between the trailer and the ground wire at a light with the lights on. If you do, no connection.also run a wire from the tow vehicle to the trailer to see if the ground between the vehicle and trailer is made. Other than that, learn to use a meter and look if you have Voltage at the lights.
daddystoy
Well-Known Member
Get yourself a 12 volt test light if you don't have one. Start with the electrical connection on the tow vehicle. Connect the ground clip on the test light to a GOOD ground on the tow vehicle. Turn on your hazard lights and the running lights. Now stick the probe of the test light in the electrical connection. You should see the light come on when you touch the metal part of the connection. The light will flash with the hazard lights and be lit with the running lights. If you don't get anything on this test you may not have power to the connector. If this is the case check to see a fuse isn't blown. Start there to make sure you have power to the connection. Once you confirm this you can move on to the trailer. There will be a ground wire for the trailer. Check to be sure this is okay.You Tube is your friend. I would imagine there is lots of info there.
Lots of time, with grease, there is no connection.
sudsy
Well-Known Member
I agree, with 12v systems 90% of the time it's a bad ground...
sudsy
Well-Known Member
I agree, with 12v systems 90% of the time it's a bad ground...
Island Fish Lifter
Well-Known Member
15 years old? Don't mess with it. Rip it all out and replace with new. Much easier and cheap. But you have like 20 other responses telling you to fix it.. How do you know which advice to take?
albernifisher
Well-Known Member
X2 buy a new led kit and your good for another 15 years
scott craven
Well-Known Member
now that makes sense !
it may take an hour or so, but once you have a new hiring harness and lights
you'll be happy.
Corey_lax
Crew Member
http://www.amazon.ca/Optronics-TL-36RK-Waterproof-Trailer-Light/dp/B001HRO9KC/ref=pd_sim_sbs_auto_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0SPJ946C5AKWWMAT4RBJ $50 and 2 hours of your time.
But as I said earlier, try a different truck so that you can atleast rule out the truck wiring. My pops had to rewire the hitch on his F150 4 times in the 6 years he had it.
But as I said earlier, try a different truck so that you can atleast rule out the truck wiring. My pops had to rewire the hitch on his F150 4 times in the 6 years he had it.
blake_a
Active Member
Yeah there are definitely some shoddy looking wires in there and I was already having trouble with the right tail light...... Maybe I should install the new one.... Thanks for the Amazon find, that looks like a good deal. I'll check the truck and check over all the connections and then if I am not getting anywhere I will order the new one. Thanks again for the help and advice.
Bows Up
Well-Known Member
You must be speedy gonzalez. It took me more than that just to remove the tail lights , marker lights, rear red lights and the old crappy wiring. Stuff was solidly corroded
Oops, you said hiring harness, never done one of those.
Good advice from Island Fish Lifter, chuck it and start fresh. Even if the trouble is with the truck this time, next time it will be your old lights.
gungadin
Well-Known Member
When you are ready to remove all the old wiring, it is good idea if you use some string and attach it to the wires, so that when you pull it through the frame, you leave the string in the frame. You can then attach your new harness to the string and just pull it through.
Tightlines22
Well-Known Member
This is a good thing to remember to do as well. Not fun trying to pull/push wiring through without a string leading the way. And use a heavy string because it can get hooked up and cut easily inside the trailer rails.
