Reverse Lights Illuminate With Running Lights On In Vehicle

Updated 06/18/2019 | Published 06/17/2019

Question:

Hello, Have put new led light on a trailer that has reverse lights....all the lights work correctly except for the reverse lights which operate in reverse but also with the Clarence lights turned on. Have checked the plug on the car with a test light and everything appears correct , the lights are earthd and mounted through aluminum plate on the rear of trailer . Cheers

asked by: Dave H

Expert Reply:

If the reverse lights on the trailer are on while the running lights in the vehicle are activated you most likely have a short between the reverse light wire (usually purple) and the running light wire (usually brown) on the trailer. Therefore, you will need to trace each of these wires back from the trailer side connector to make sure they have not shorted out to one another. I also recommend that you check the pins inside the trailer side connector for corrosion.

Please note, aluminum is not the best type of metal to use for a ground so I also recommend that you run the ground for the reverse lights to either a bare metal spot on the frame or directly to the main trailer connector ground.

expert reply by: Conner L