Troubleshooting a Double Bullseye LED Trailer Clearance and Side Marker Light # MCL46RB That's Dim

Published 02/27/2015

Question:

Hi, I need an expert to solve/explain a problem with Optronics MCL46RB. Those LED lights were installed at the factory on my Atrium Gulf Stream Coach 2004. Problem: Only half of the LEDs light up and the other half is very dimmed. Sometimes, the lights density alternate between dimmed and full intensity. I removed the lens of them all and lightly warm them with an hair dryer: all of the LEDs go full density... It could last for 5 minutes and it resumes back to the description above. What could be the problem? I monitored the 12 V supply with a Fluke 87 min, max and average at the light and the supply is perfect... Hope to hear from you soon. The rear end has 7 lights and they all do have the same problem. Lucien

asked by: Lucien S

Expert Reply:

Sounds like the problem could be ground related.

Make sure that the trailer side connector are clean and free of corrosion inside and out. The main connector grounds should be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. The light ground should also be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. If there is anything between a light ground and the metal trailer frame or if the trailer has an aluminum frame, tilt bed, or folding tongue, any of these things can interrupt the ground. Running jumper wires from the light grounds to the main trailer connector ground can help.

If improving the ground doesn't fix the problem I would recommend just replacing the assembly as it has something internal that is malfunctioning.

expert reply by: Jameson C