Troubleshooting LED Trailer Lights that Flicker When Vehicle is Off

Updated 09/15/2024 | Published 12/21/2015

Question:

When my tow vehicle ignition and lights are all off, the LED taillights on my trailer still flash randomly. Why does this happen and what can I do about it?

asked by: Byron

Helpful Expert Reply:

What you are experiencing is due to the fact that LED taillights only require a very small amount of amperage to illuminate. A tiny amount can cause them to illuminate. Trailer wring for the most part goes totally dead when the vehicle is off. But there can be small amounts of voltage that would normally not get noticed if the trailer had incandescent bulbs.

It really isn't a problem unless it bothers you. The flickering wouldn't be enough to drain your battery. But if you want it to stop you could just unplug the vehicle's trailer wiring connector.

expert reply by: Jameson C