Troubleshooting Right Turn Signal Not Working on Trailer Taillights
Question:
I noticed my passenger side directional not working, bulb looked good, but replaced it anyway, still no good. I looked further and it seems as though the middle lead looks broken at the bottom where I guess it would return to ground for the directional. The side markers work, brake light works and it lights when the lights are on just no directional. My question is, is this lead supposed to be seperated on the right light because it isnt on the left and should I just purchase the replacement right tail light 432200?
asked by: Peter M
Expert Reply:
First, disconnect the trailer from the tow vehicle so you can check the vehicle side connector. Using a circuit tester like part # PTW2993, test the functions of the connector; specifically check the right turn/brake, to make sure the signal is making it to the connector. If it is not working at the connector, there might be a fuse blown or missing in the power distribution box under the hood. Also, make sure both connectors are clean, and free of any dirt or corrosion.
This very well could be a ground problem. If so, correcting the bad ground or broken wire could solve the problem. If it is a wiring problem, and not a hardware problem, replacing the whole light will not help as the malfunction is in the wiring. Sometimes, trailer lights ground through the mounting studs. Make sure the connection point is free of rust and corrosion as that could cause a bad ground.
The driver side light should have a yellow and brown wire connected. The yellow wire goes in the right hole if looking at the back of the driver side light. Brown goes in the left hole (the lights are marked). The brown wire is the running lights. The yellow wire is left turn and brake light.
The passenger side light should have a green and brown wire connected. The brown wire is the running lights. The green wire is right turn and brake light.
I am including a link to a FAQ page on trailer wiring which will describe how to troubleshoot your trailer wiring.
Mike L.
3/14/2024
Helpful Links
Dale D.
5/23/2024
Broke tail light on trailer, replaced with new. On left turn signal all the 4 way lights come on trailer but on right turn signal no lights come on trailer and on the 4 way flasher all lights come on trailer. DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT IS CAUSING THIS? Everything was working ok before I replaced with new.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Peterson Combination Trailer Tail Light - 6 Function - Incandescent - Square - Passenger Side
- Trailer Lights
- Tail Lights
- Rear Reflector
- Side Marker
- Side Reflector
- Stop/Turn/Tail
- Square
- Surface Mount
- Non-Submersible Lights
- Incandescent Light
- 4-3/4L x 4-1/2W Inch
- Red
- Peterson
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Right Side Turn Signal Not Working On Trailer
- Q&A: Working Running Lights, But No Turn Signals or Brake Lights On Trailer
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Turn Signals on Trailer Not Working When Running Lights are On
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Hook Probe Circuit Tester
- Shop: Front Mount Hitch
- Q&A: Trailer Lights Left Side Turn Signal and Brake Lights Not Working
- Shop: Square Direct Weld Jack - Drop Leg w/ Spring Return - Sidewind - 25-3/4" Lift - 10K
- Shop: Square Direct Weld Jack - Drop Leg w/ Spring Return - Sidewind - 28-3/4" Lift - 12K
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Square 2-Speed Jack - Drop Leg w/ Spring Return - Sidewind - 25-7/8" Lift - 10K
- Search Results: surge brake actuator
- Search Results: hydrastar
- Search Results: 2 pole plug
- Q&A: Right Hand Trailer Stop/Turn Signal Circuit Not Working on 2007 Toyota Tundra
- Shop: Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Drum Brakes - 1,200 psi
- Search Results: 65071
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Right Side Trailer Lights Not Working, Left Side Working Correctly
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Wiring On 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 That Blows Fuses When Hooked To Trailer
- Search Results: front receiver
- Video: DIY Install: CIPA Universal Fit Towing Mirror on your 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Search Results: towing mirrors
- Search Results: weld on trailer jack
- Video: Installing the Longview Custom Towing Mirrors on your 2019 Ram 1500 Classic
- Video: Install: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector on a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
on Trailer Lights
Ron
6/9/2020
Getting no power on green wire from f150 to trailer hookup. Everything else works on right side except turn signal. Wire doesn’t seem to be broken in harness. It is a 4 pin hook up