Troubleshooting 2005 Ford F-150 Taillights Not Functioning After Trailer Wiring Install

Published 12/08/2015

Question:

After installing my new hopkins for my 2005 F150 STX, I am not getting any signal on the truck or the trailer. The truck tail lights and blinkers quit working after the install. I purchased the item because by trailer night lights would not work...only the brakes, blinker, and emergency. But now nothing is working on either truck or trailer. Is there an adapter I need or something?

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

The Plug-N-Tow # 40185 that you referenced has been confirmed as a fit for your 2005 Ford F-150 so if installed properly it should work just fine. Normally when what you described happens the problem is that the wiring harness just isn't making a good connection and would just need to be double checked that it is plugged in properly.

Since you were having issues with your trailer wiring prior the problem could be something else related to the lighting of the truck.

However, typically the problem you described having prior to the wiring install is related to the grounds of the trailer wiring. Improving the quality of the grounds should help as most likely it's just an insufficient ground on the trailer that prevents the running lights from activating.

expert reply by: Jameson C