Troubleshooting a Turn Signal/Brake Light that Does not work on a 2003 Ranger 521 Trailer

Question:

I have a 2003 Ranger 521 and trailer. My right turn signal and brake light is not working. The taillight does work and the left side lights work. Do I replace the entire light housing, or just the replacement capsule? I have a Wesbar 102640 capsule from a previous boat. Will that work? Is it possible to remove the lens cover and replace the capsule without removing the entire housing? Lastly, how do I remove the housing? It looks like there are two thin bolts on the back. However, when I turn the nuts, the bolts also turn. I can also send a picture of the light if needed. I could use help asap since I am selling the boat later this week and want everything working for the buyer. Thanks

asked by: Bill C

Expert Reply:

The first thing I would check is for voltage on the pin of the trailer connector that feeds the right turn/brake circuit for voltage when the brakes or turn signal is applied. The color of the wire for this circuit is usually green. If you find there is not voltage there then you know the problem is in the tow vehicle and you should go further up the circuit till you find where the problem lies and fix it.

If that is not the problem the next thing I would check would be that the light is making a good ground connection. To do this you will just want to check that the ground strap is attached to a clean metal surface. Or if the unit grounds through the mounting hardware you will just want to check that there is no corrosion between the mounting surface and the light.

What leads me to believe that it is the ground is that the light works as a tail light, but when the additional draw on the circuit from activating the brake lights or turn signal is put on the circuit it quits working. If when you activate the turn signal or brake lights when the tail lights are on the bulb turns off all together this would be even further proof of this.

The Replacement Tail Light Capsule # 763560 would work for you as long as you have the older style Wesbar Submersible Lights # 403026 or # 403076, which if in that case you could use the 102640 capsule from your previous boat.

To access the capsule you should only have to remove the four screws on the front of the light assembly. I attached a link to another question that has a video embedded that shows how this is done.

Feel free to email me back with the picture of your light also.

expert reply by: Jameson C