Why Would Stoplights and Turn Signals Not be Bright on Trailer Wiring

Published 11/08/2016

Question:

I installed the CURT 56162 on my 2014 jeep 2 years ago. It worked perfectly. Now I find that my tail lights work ok but secondary lights do not work at all. Secondary being brake lights, turn indicators, emergency flashers. What would you look at?

asked by: Rob M

Expert Reply:

There may have been a slight weak ground that was allowing some of the lower power draw functions to still work.

The grounds on both the trailer side and the vehicle side, as well as the grounds for all of the trailer lights will need to be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.

A weak ground issue would show up as soon as there is higher power draw on the system. Brake lights light up brighter and require more power so that is when the issue showed up. Making sure you have good, clean grounds and trailer and vehicle side connectors should fix you up.

expert reply by: Jameson C