Trailer Taillights Not Working on a 1998 Chevy Tahoe Everything Else Works Except Running Lights

Updated 12/02/2010 | Published 12/01/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Pollak Replacement 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector Socket - Vehicle End

(745)

$15.62

Pollak Black Plastic, 7-Pole, RV Blade-Style Trailer Socket - Vehicle End

(349)

$10.68

Pollak 7 Pole to 4 Way Connector Adapter

(1064)

$10.22

Question:

all the lights work except the running lights on a 98 chevy tahoe. it has a factory 7 way with a 4 way adator.

asked by: Stacy

Expert Reply:

It sounds like the tow package running light fuse is blown. There is a power distribution panel under the hood. When you remove the cover there will be a legend on the underside indication where the tow package fuses are located. The running light fuse for this circuit should be located in this panel also.

If a tow package fuse is blown check the trailer wiring for a short on the taillight circuit before reconnecting it to the vehicle.

If you find that the fuses are good, the next thing to check is the trailer connector at the back of the vehicle. Look inside the connector, front and back to see if there is corrosion in the connector.

Many times corrosion is the problem on 7-Way RV connectors. If you find corrosion you can clean it out and this may solve the issue. If you cannot get the inside of the connector cleaned you can replace it with a new connector like the Pollak Replacement 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector, item # PK11893, if your connector has the large round connection on the back or the Pollak Black Plastic, 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Socket, item # PK12-707E, if the wires are connected inside the connector.

If this does not solve the problem, check the 7-Way to 4-Way adapter you are using. A replacement for this part is the Pollak 7 Pole to 4 Pole Connector Adapter, item # PK12716.

Finally, if this does not solve the issue, you will need to look for a bad ground or short in the tail light wiring.