Troubleshooting Right Side Turn Signal Not Working On Trailer

Question

Question:

trailer brake lights work left turn signal works right signal dont work but hazzard lights on both sides work running lights work ok

asked by: Kent

0

Expert Reply:

This sounds like a ground problem on the right side. The turn signal not working makes sense because with the brake lights, there is a constant signal coming through which is enough to make the lights illuminate on both sides like they should. But the on/off of a turn signal does not offer enough consistent voltage and makes the problem apparent.

On the vehicle, check to see if there is a turn signal fuse for the tow package wiring that may have blown. You can use your owners manual to find the location and size fuses that are needed.

Next, check the grounds on the ride side where the problem is. Trailer lights usually ground through their mounting studs unless there is an obvious ground wire. In either case, the ground will need to be attached to a clean and corrosion free bare metal surface.

You can also make sure that the main ground from the trailer connector is also connected to a clean surface and that the connector itself is free of any dirt or corrosion. Make sure to check the vehicle side connector too. If you find any loose connections, broken or frayed wires, those will need to be repaired as well.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

Noland

4/7/2020

My issue is similar. All lights work on trailer. Marker, brake, left turn and right turn signal work. Except right turn will work when taillights are off. When they are on it wont work.. same with hazard. right works when markers are off but not on. the right arrow light on dash stays solid, not blinking. ground is solid and same issue with any stop turn tail I hook up.

Chris R.

4/8/2020

I have to think that this is a ground issue somewhere. If you haven't already, check the light assembly itself on the right side of the trailer. The light will either ground with a dedicated wire or through its mounting hardware - in either case, make sure it's connected to a clean, corrosion-free piece of metal. Let me know what happens and we'll go from there.

Trennedy O.

6/30/2020

Hey buddy. I'm having this same issue. Did you ever figure out what was cause the issue?

Corey L.

12/23/2020

My issue is very similar but not the same. My running lights work fine but my right turn signal will work when truck first started then stop working during the ride, this is for the right turn signals and the break light. If I stop turn truck on and off the right turn signal will come back on then go off again

See All (6) Replies to Noland ∨

Cheaden R.

7/14/2020

My break and running lights work and my left blinker works, but my right blinker won’t turn on at all. We have already ran a new ground wire which made all of that possible before no lights were working. But now it’s just the right blinker that’s not working

Chris R.

7/18/2020

It's always a bit strange when just the turn signal (or just the brake light) doesn't work on a trailer since the brake and turn signal light circuits are sent along the same wire. You mentioned running a new ground - was this for the main trailer harness or the light assemblies themselves? If just the harness, also make sure the actual light assembly is securely grounded. It will either use a dedicated wire for this or simply ground through the mounting hardware. In either case, make sure it's attached to a CLEAN, bare metal surface on the trailer. Let me know if this doesn't fix the problem.

Quince

12/20/2024

@ChrisR Doesn't the fact that position light works on the same light eliminate the ground as an issue? The light has only one ground wire for position and signal-brake. My right signal-brake didn't work, got no power on the green wire but when I moved the light on the left it did work properly. I checked the ohms on the green wire and was no continuity so I ran a new wire from the plug back to the right light. Now all position brake signal come on as soon as I turn car contact on without position signal or brake being on. I do have brakes on one axle but at this point I am lost.

Shammah F.

7/19/2020

New to owning a trailer so positive input is much appreciated. My right trailer light on a 1977 21' went out, thinking it was a bad bulb I pulled it .. bulbs fine as I removed the back plate to asses the wiring it blinked back to life!! Thinking everything was ok and it was just a bad connection I re splice- connected the back wires and connected them as they were mangled and in a twist connector by the prior installer. Now my back light won't turn off and the bulb doesn't seem to dim enough for the blink to take affect ... my only thoughts are that me making the shit connection solid has direct wired the current ... how can I repair this ? Or can I? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Chris R.

7/24/2020

I'm thinking there's a short on this circuit further up the trailer. This may be difficult but you'll want to try and inspect the right side turn/brake wire along the length of the trailer, looking for any exposed areas that might be contacting bare metal or a neighboring wire - repairing/replacing as needed.

Answer 1

You will first want to check the fuses on your tow vehicle. Some vehicles could have fuses for operating the turn signals and brake lights of a towing package. You will want to check if they are installed and working properly. The next thing is to…

view full answer...

Answer 2

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…

view full answer...

Answer 3

First, disconnect the trailer from the tow vehicle so you can check the vehicle side connector. Using a circuit tester like part #PTW2993, test the functions of the connector; specifically check the right turn/brake, to make sure the signal is making…

view full answer...

Answer 4

The most likely cause for the turn signals not to work when the running lights are on with your trailer is a bad or weak ground. It's very possible that a weak ground connection can be just strong enough to allow sufficient current for some…

view full answer...

Answer 5

It sounds like you either have a blown fuse or a short on the right side turn light and brake light circuit. First, I recommend checking the trailer wire connector on the vehicle. You can use a circuit tester, like #PTW2993, to test that power is…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Your brake lights and turn signals for each side are on one circuit. The left side turn signal and brake light is generally the yellow wire going into your trailer connector. The first thing to do is check the fuses on your tow vehicle. Next, inspect…

view full answer...

Answer 7

From my research on the Harbor Freight 4x8 folding trailer uses 4.80-12 tires on a 12 inch wheel for the 1195 lb capacity trailer and a 5.30-12 for the 1720 lbs capacity trailer. It is a good idea to check your existing tires to see which size they…

view full answer...

Answer 8

We do have a compatible grease seal for your 168255TC oil seal, however, we do not carry rubber coated seals in this size. The 168255TC oil seal was designed to work with oil bath hubs on a 3,500 lb axle. For the most part, axle manufacturers have…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Hi Jeff; the Taskmaster 4.80R12 Radial Trailer Tire #TT48012C will fit the Dexstar Steel Spoke Trailer Wheel #AM20122 you ordered. This is the same tire size you have now so clearance isn't an issue. It also has the M speed rating for 81 mph. I…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Hey Lee, so in general the radial tire construction is preferred over the bias ply. You'll get a more stable ride and generally a little less heat build up. If you will be under the weight and speed capacity of your current tires I think…

view full answer...

Answer 11

For your 2021 Forrest River Grey Wolf travel trailer, I recommend the Electric Ground Control TT Automatic 5-Point Travel Trailer Leveling System #LC672136. This system works with travel trailers that weigh less than 10,000 lbs. which your Grey Wolf…

view full answer...

Answer 12

Thank you for all of the details in your question. It looks like you have a faulty ground or some corrosion in one of your connectors. On a trailer the functions for your turn signals are also tied into the brake lights so if your right turn signal…

view full answer...

Troubleshooting Right Side Turn Signal Not Working On Trailer

Featured Help Information

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching