Trailer Lighting Issue After Installing LED-Type License Plate Light on Toy Hauler

Updated 02/17/2015 | Published 02/15/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Optronics LED Trailer License Plate Light - 5 Diodes - Chrome Plated - Clear Lens

(501)

$12.07

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(66)

$12.94

Question:

I bought a LED license plate light for my toy hauler that does not have LED lights. once mounted and turned on, all my trailer lights went off. I know have my engine light in my truck that stays on with a message that my slip traction option is off. The LED light had a Brown and White wire. Trailer only had Black wire. I attached the Black and brown together and White to frame of the trailer. Did I do something wrong? how can I fix this issue? please advise

asked by: David

Expert Reply:

Generally a trailer light's ground wire will be white in color, so it sounds like you installed the LED light correctly. LED lights use only a small fraction of the power required by standard incandescent lights, so it is not likely to be an overloading issue; also, there is not usually any issue mixing LED and standard bulbs. I do not see any way that the trailer would be able to affect the Tundra's instrument cluster (let alone its traction control); I do not think these issues are related.

First you can try checking all of the fuses in the truck's power distribution box in the engine compartment. Make sure any fuse labeled trailer or tow is good.

Next, I suggest you disconnect the trailer from the truck and test the connector on the truck for proper operation using a circuit tester like # PTW2993. I have linked a video to illustrate how to test for proper signals on the truck connector.

If the truck tests out okay, then you can test the disconnected trailer using a spare battery. Apply power to each circuit on the trailer connector one at a time to see if the lighting functions operate properly. If not, you will want to inspect all trailer wiring, especially the connector itself, looking for signs of damaged insulation or cracks that could lead to a short.

The linked article on troubleshooting will give you additional guidance.

expert reply by: Adam R