Troubleshooting Trailer Lights on Enclosed Trailer Towed by 1996 Chevy 2500

Updated 03/02/2015 | Published 02/28/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Twist-in, 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector for Chevy and GMC Vehicles - Vehicle End

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$17.83

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

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$14.40

Question:

I have a 1996 chevy 2500 with a 4 flat plug and a 7 pin round. My lights on my enclosed will not work and they worked 3 hours ago. I was fixing a ground issue that the previous owner messed up on. I can not find a fuse for trailer lights under the hood orin the cab. Looked under the dash and didnt find one. Dont know where else to look. I think the receiver was an after market install. Thanks.

asked by: Chuck G

Expert Reply:

It sounds like the trailer lights are not working on the trailer side but you have power to the 7 pin and the 4-Way on all circuits on the truck side. This suggests there is probably a bad ground, loose or broken connection, between the trailer connector and the tail lights.

First, check the connectors on both sides for dirt and corrosion and clean them out. From there, check the main ground from the trailer side connector and make sure it is attached to a clean and corrosion free bare metal surface. Then move on to the taillights.

Trailer taillights usually ground through the mounting studs unless there is an obvious ground wire. In either case you will want to make sure there is no dirt or corrosion where the lights are grounded. If you had recently added a plastic license plate holder, it can cause ground problems too.

Another possible issue is a loose or broken wire somewhere on the trailer. You will need to test the wiring from the back of the trailer side 4-Way back to the taillights testing for breaks using a circuit tester like # PTW2993 if needed.

The owner's manual for the truck should tell you where the fuses are located.

expert reply by: Chris O