Troubleshooting Dim Lighting of a LED Trailer Light Kit Optronics # TLL-9RK

Updated 05/20/2011 | Published 05/18/2011

Question:

I installed this trailer light kit as a replacement for incandescent lights on a utility trailer. My Dodge Ram 2500 has a 7-way for pulling a fifth wheel travel trailer. I just had to replace the lower computer unit on the truck that controls the trailer brake lights from the truck fuse panel. The seven way connector for the travel trailer works at the outlet in the truck bed and on the rear bumber. When I hook up to the new trailer with the LED kit, the only lights I have on the trailer are faint LED glows on the clearance lights-no turn,stop, or running lights. Help??

asked by: Allan P

Expert Reply:

Since there are a lot of variable in this situation the first thing I would recommend is to try and narrow down the problem to either the truck or the trailer. In order to do this I would try hooking your Dodge Ram 2500 up to another trailer with trailer lights that are known to work and then test the tail light functions in that situation.

Or, you could hook your trailer up to a friends truck that you know has functional trailer lights and see if the trailer lights still react the same way.

If the problem persists then your truck is the culprit and it could be the new computer you put in or the wiring from the truck to the 7-way.

If the problem goes away then you know the trailer is causing the problem. The first thing that comes to my mind is that you have a ground issue, I would check the wiring on the trailer for any corrosion or loose wires. Also, you will want to check the trailer connector for corrosion and loose wiring.

Since LED lights draw considerable less amperage than incandescent lights this problem would seem unlikely unless the lights were for some reason not grounded properly.

expert reply by: Jameson C