Both Turn Signals Blinking at the Same Time on Trailer Towed by 1999 Chevy Silverado  

Question:

Expert Reply:

What you are experiencing is one of the classic symptoms of an insufficient ground connection.

Check that the ground connection for the trailer connector on the truck is securely grounded to clean metal. If the connection point is corroded, disconnect the ground wire and clean the metal and re attach. Do the same with the ground connection on the camper. Typically the ground connection is located on the trailer tongue.

Because the vast majority of trailers use the trailer frame to complete the ground circuit, each lamp should be grounded to the trailer frame by either a direct connection to the frame or via a ground wire that connects the lamp and the frame. Anything that prevents that metal to metal contact can lead to the bizarre lighting behavior you are experiencing. A typical occurrence is when a metal license plate bracket is replaced with a plastic bracket. Since many tail lamps pick up their ground connection by the mounting hardware being in direct contact with the trailer frame, introducing a plastic piece in between the lamp and the trailer frame prevents a good connection.

Check the trailer connectors on the vehicle and the camper for corrosion. If you see any corrosion on the connector pins or sockets, there is a good chance that the corrosion has spread to the interior of the connector and is preventing a good ground connection between the trailer and the vehicle. Replace the connector on the vehicle or camper if necessary.

expert reply by: Mike L

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