Troubleshooting Taillight Converter that Clicks

Published 03/19/2015

Products Featured in This Question

2-to-3 Tail Light Converter for Towed Vehicles w/ Incandescent Tail Lights

(171)

$36.21

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$12.55

Question:

Hi! I had purchased and installed a 118158 Vehicle to Vehicle tail light converter to be able to install a third brake light on my utility trailer pulled by a Jeep Wrangler. After installation, I tested it and it worked great : On my recent trip after a couple months of use, I noticed my lights are not working correctly I wonder if you can offer some t-shooting tips? here is what I observed on the trailer : -Right side: turn, tail and stop work fine, notice clicking sound from the converter w/turn 3rd brake light doesnt come on -Left side: tail light works no turn or clicking when turn signal on tail stays constant brightness no brake or 3rd brake light. Could this be as simple as the left bulb brake/turn filament is burned out? Would this affect the 3rd brake light wired thru the converter? Thanks for any insight you can provide! Don

asked by: Donald K

Expert Reply:

The converter box shouldn't be clicking under normal circumstances. It sounds like the converter box has shorted out due to a short on the trailer wiring. You can test the converter by applying 12 volts to the input side of the box and then using a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to test the output side of the box.

I would recommend you find and fix the short on your trailer wiring that took out the # 118158 and then replace it. Common shorts are corrosion on the trailer connectors or cut/exposed wire.

expert reply by: Jameson C