Troubleshooting Dim Trailer Lights and Turn Signals Blinking Together

Updated 06/10/2010 | Published 06/09/2010

Question:

Hello My lights on the trailer are wired up right but when i have the signal lights on both blink and when i put the driving lights on all the lights on the trailer go really dim could it be a bad ground Thanks

asked by: David

Expert Reply:

The turn signals flashing together indicates a bad ground connection. You will have to check the ground points on each of the lights and on the trailer connector. The lights usually ground through the mounting studs. If there is any dirt, corrosion, or rust it could cause a bad connection. You will also want to check where the light bracket mounts to the trailer. I have included a video below on testing for a ground.

If your trailer has a large amount of lights (like running lights along the sides) then the power draw could be too much for the tow vehicle electrical system. In this scenario, you would need to use a powered converter like the 4 Pole Harness and Hardwire Kit, # C59496. The same is true if your tow vehicle has LED taillights but the trailer does not. I have included a link to the installation details below.

expert reply by: Michael H