How to Replace a 4-Wire Clearance Light with a 2-Wire Clearance Light
Updated 07/03/2025 | Published 05/06/2019
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Question:
Im replacing the old marker lights with new LED lights on our trailer. The new LEDS have 2 wires and most of the old lights have 4 wires. Can I go ahead with the 2 wire connection and use electrical tape on the 2 remaining wires? or ... what do I need to do? Thanks
asked by: Joe H
Helpful Expert Reply:
Since both of the green wires are right next to each other and both of the white wires are next to each other I think that's how your running light and ground circuits are linked to the next light. So you could cap off a green and a white wire (electrical tape isn't as safe) when you install your clearance light like part # MCL32ABB but I think that would break the chain and all of the lights on the back of these circuits wouldn't work.
The best way to test this out is to simply disconnect the wires and see what happens. You can use a circuit tester like part # PTW2992 to see which wire(s) are getting power so you know which one is ground (although I'm pretty sure the green is power and the white is ground).
Product Page this Question was Asked From
LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light w/ Reflex Reflector- 3 Diodes - Black Base - Amber Lens
- Trailer Lights
- Clearance Lights
- Side Marker
- Rectangle
- Surface Mount
- Non-Submersible Lights
- LED Light
- 4L x 2W Inch
- Amber
- Optronics
more information >
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Reinhard D.
6/28/2025
Jon G If it brakes the chain and the rear markers don’t work, what’s the correct approach? Thank you