Troubleshooting Trailer Reverse Light Function on 2009 Dodge Ram

Updated 02/19/2018 | Published 02/17/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

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$12.08

Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.

(1462)

$10.96

16 Gauge Primary Wire - Black - Per Foot

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$1.14

Question:

I have a 09 ram 1500. I use the 7 pin adapter to go to my Triton boat trailer. I am getting no power to my reverse lights on the trailer. Which fuse is for the trailer reverse lights? My reverse lights on truck work fine.

asked by: Nate P

Expert Reply:

The first thing to check is the center pin of your 7-way when your vehicle is put in reverse. This pin should have 12V power when put in reverse and no signal when the vehicle is not in reverse. The easiest way to check this is using a circuit tester like # PTW2993. If you have this function on your vehicle, then you likely have a ground issue on your trailer. If you don't have this function, then you will need to trace your reverse light function wire to find the short by probing every couple feet when engaged in reverse. For safety, I recommend you shift into reverse and then turn the engine off and chock your tires. You should have power on the wire as long as it is in gear.

Unfortunately according to your owners manual there isn't a fuse for that function. You may simply need to clean the trailer connection, so I would start there and add some dielectric grease # 11755 to keep moisture and dirt out of the connection.

If you have function at your 7-way, then I recommend checking your ground for bare metal to metal connection free of corrosion and debris. Then you will need to trace that wire for a short and replace with # 16-1-1 as needed.

expert reply by: Jason S