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Troubleshooting Right Side Trailer Lights Not Working, Left Side Working Correctly  

Question:

have a problem hitch plug. everything on the left side works but nothing on the right. i have checked and tested every fuse and all is good. any ideas

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Expert Reply:

Most trailer wiring problems are the result of a bad ground. What I would do is start with the connectors. Maker sure the connectors on both the trailer side and vehicle side are free of dirt and corrosion and that they are properly grounded.

Next, I would move on to testing the vehicle side connector using a circuit tester like # PTW2993. Since the right side is not working, you will want to test the pins of the connector for right turn and brake. If looking at the face of the connector, it is the pin in the 3 o'clock position. If you are getting the proper signal at the connector, you know that the problem is on the trailer side.

On the trailer, make sure the main ground is connected to a paint, dirt, and corrosion free bare metal surface on the frame. With the trailer connected , you can test the wiring behind the plug with a circuit tester to verify the signal is getting through. If it is not, then you know there is something wrong with the trailer side connector.

If the signals are getting through, you can move on to checking the wiring back to the lights looking for an broken wires or loose connections. Trailer lights usually ground through their mounting studs unless a ground wire is present. These ground connections should also be free of dirt and corrosion

expert reply by:
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Michael H
Brett P. profile picture

Brett P.

6/22/2020

I have led light on my trailer all the lights work accept the drivers tail light why is that

ChrisR profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Chris R.

6/25/2020

Since it's just the left side we can at least be pretty confident that the issue is on the trailer side (and not on the tow vehicle). Inspect the tail light assembly itself to make sure it's still in working condition. You might apply 12V power directly to it to ensure the bulb isn't out. Also make sure it's securely grounded to a clean, bare piece of metal (whether it grounds through a dedicated wire or through its mounting hardware). Let me know what you find and we can keep troubleshooting if needed.
Sonny profile picture

Sonny

4/11/2021

All running lights have their own ground wire.
Manuel profile picture

Manuel

8/21/2024

@ChrisR thanks Chris it was the trailer ground,now it's back on the right track thanks again
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