Trailer Lights Not Working Correctly Using a 2004 Chevy Silverado
Published 04/22/2015
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I recently started having a problem with my factory installed trailer lighting, I have gone through the system and no matter what I try it isnt working. It seems like my Ground wire in the harness is all burned up. I have been using it for years and now I have a major malfunction. is there any way to change the ground up to the front or can I bypass the factory system?
asked by: Donald S
Expert Reply:
First, we need to figure out if the problem is on your 2004 Chevy Silverado or on the trailer. To do that disconnect the trailer and we can focus on the truck side trailer connector.
Since you think it may be a ground issue you can use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993. Attach the clip to the ground pin (if looking at the pins in a 7-Way trailer connector it is the pin in the 7 o'clock position). You would then go through the lighting functions by having someone sit in the truck and turn the running lights on, brake lights, turn signals, while you test. If the ground was bad, they would not light up the test light or would only partially work.
While you are at the trailer connector take a minute to clean the connector of any dirt or corrosion inside and out. Make sure you inspect the wires going into the back of the connector for corrosion as well.
If everything is working on the vehicle side, then that means the problem is on the trailer. Make sure its connector is also clean and free of corrosion inside and out. If you suspect a ground issue, there are some things you can do. The main connector grounds should be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.
The light grounds 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. I have linked a couple of help articles that should also help.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Pollak Replacement 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector Socket - Vehicle End
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Vehicle End Connector
- 7 Blade
- Plug Only
- Pollak
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Wiring For 7-Way Connector on 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- Q&A: Where is the Fuse for Trailer Power Located on a 2004 Chevy Silverado
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Search Results: emergency brake
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Search Results: hm40975
- Search Results: parking brake
- Search Results: truck wire harness
- Search Results: accessories and parts
- Search Results: emergency brake switch
- Shop: 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: 7-Pole and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Sockets w/ Mounting Bracket and Wiring - Vehicle End
- Shop: Off-Road Handbrake for DeeMaxx Disc Brakes w/ Mechanical Parking Brake
- Shop: DeeMaxx Hydraulic/Mechanical Disc Brake Caliper - Maxx Coating - 3,500 lbs to 6,000 lbs
- Shop: Replacement Brake Lever with Spacer for Dexter Breakaway and Parking Kits
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Installation Time for Blue Ox BX1128 Flat Tow Base Plate Kit for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Review C56040
on Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
