Troubleshooting Trailer with Beat up Wiring Where all Lights Blink with Turn Signal

Updated 03/09/2018 | Published 03/08/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(72)

$13.20

Deka Self-Fusing Auto Tape - Black - 10' Roll - Qty 1

(37)

$14.62

Question:

Let me start by saying Ive never wired anything in my life. Everything I know is from google and youtube. So I tried to re-wire a boat trailer that I have and all the lights work, but when I turn on a turn signal all the trailer lights blink. I keep reading that my problem probably is an improper ground, or short to ground. I dont even know what short to ground is or how to correct that? Also I should mention I had to take my trailer apart to feed the wire through the tongue and in the process of putting it back together some of the wire got a little beat up. Could that be my problem? So could you look at these pictures, and tell me what you think? Does that look like a proper ground? Probably hard to tell, but can beat up wires be the cause? Oh and I bought a little tester and I am sure the problem is with the trailer lights and not my vehicle wiring. Thanks!

asked by: Jeff

Expert Reply:

If routing the wire in your trailer frame caused any of the wire insulation to come off of the wires and now the metal core of the wire is touching the frame of the trailer that would cause a short. Based on what you are experiencing and you saying the wires are beat up I would be very inclined to believe that the issue is that bare wire is grounding to the trailer frame.

You'll need to go over all the wiring looking for any exposed wiring and tape it up with electrical tape like # DW04367.

expert reply by: Jameson C