Why are the Running Lights on My Trailer Not Working
Published 07/26/2016
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have brake lights and turn signals, but cant get the running lights to work.
asked by: Pete A
Expert Reply:
The first thing you will want to do is check all of your ground connections. Make sure that the ground connections on the vehicle and the trailer are connected to a clean, smooth metal surface. The best is to use the frame of the vehicle or trailer.
If there aren't any issues with the grounds and you're still having the issue, then you will want to test the pins on the trailer connector on your vehicle. For this you'll need a circuit tester like # PTW2993. This will tell us if the problem is with the vehicle or the trailer. If you do not have a signal when testing the running lights here then the problem is with your vehicle and finding the solution can depend on what year, make, and model you have, and also if you have a factory or aftermarket tow package in order to correct the problem.
If you have a factory tow package, you could have a blown running light fuse. Use your owner's manual to find the fuse and check it. If your tow package is aftermarket, you will have to follow the running lights wire as far as you can throughout the vehicle looking for any damaged or disconnected areas.
There's a video included to show you how use the circuit tester on each pin that may help you.
If everything on the trailer connector on your vehicle passes then the problem is with your trailer wiring. In which case you will need to manually inspect the wires of your trailer looking for any damaged or pinched locations on the circuit. If you find any damage along there you will need to replace that wire.
I've attached a Help Article on trailer wiring for you.
If you still haven't found a solution after going through this process, let me know what you have found out and we'll look into the issue further to try and resolve it.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
16 Gauge, 4 Conductor Bonded Parallel Wire - Per Foot
- Wiring
- Wire
- Bonded Wire
- 4 Wire
- 16 Gauge
- Deka
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: BOLT brand vehicle and hitch locks
- Search Results: locks
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: A Closer Look at the Trimax Puck Locks for Trailer Door Hasps with 3/8" Shackle
- Search Results: trailer fender lights
- Search Results: bargman trailer lights
- Search Results: trailer clearance light
- Video: BOLT Covered Padlock: The Breakdown
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Trailer Lights That Only Work When Standing On Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Single Rocker Switch - On/Off - Black
- Shop: Single Rocker Switch with Bezel - On/Off - SPST - Brown
- Shop: Momentary Switch- On/Off/On - SPDT - Black
- Shop: Trimax Puck Lock for Trailer Door Hasps - 3/8" Shackle - Steel - Chrome
- Shop: 12V Momentary Switch with Faceplate - On/Off/On - DPDT - Black
- Shop: Trimax Puck Locks for Trailer Door Hasps - 3/8" Shackle - Steel - Chrome - Qty 3
- Shop: Single Rocker Switch - 12V - On/Off - SPST - Black Plate with Blue Illuminated Switch
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Instructions to Wire a Trailer for Electric Brakes
on Wiring
