Trailer Running Lamp Fuse Location on 2003 Chevy Suburban

Updated 03/31/2020 | Published 03/28/2020

Question:

The trailering running lights on my boat trailer are not working, although the brake and signal lights work fine. I have tested it is not a problem on the boat trailer. There is no power on the seven-pin connector for the trailer lights. Do you know exactly which fuse on a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 would control the trailering running lights? I identified in the owners manual the fuses for brakes and turn signals, but I could not determine exactly which one applies to the trailering lights. Thank you

asked by: Robert F

Helpful Expert Reply:

I'd be happy to help you with that. Your Suburban has 3 different fuse panels, one in the center console, one in the drivers side of the dash where it abuts the inside of the driver's side door and one in the engine compartment. You'll find the trailer taillight fuse in the fuse panel in the engine compartment. GM doesn't number the location, but the circuit is described as 'TRL PARK', and is shown in the diagram I provided.

You'll also want to find what caused that fuse to blow in the first place. Typically, this is caused by a short in the trailer wiring, specifically the running lamp circuit in your case. I'd recommend closely examining the trailer running lamp circuit and locating and repairing the short before plugging the trailer in after the fuse is replaced, otherwise you'll continue blowing fuses. Trace the running lamp circuit from the trailer connector back to the lamps, looking for loose connections or cracked or worn wire insulation. Pay special attention to pinch points or locations where the wire runs through a hole in the frame as these are likely wear points.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Robert F.

3/30/2020

Mikes answer solved the immediate problem! Replacing the fuse made the difference. Now I have to figure out what caused the fuse to burn out.Thank you very much!

Chris R.

3/31/2020

Great! I would look for something that's causing a short on that running lights circuit - typically something like a frayed or pinched portion of wire could lead to this. Also check the connect itself and clean out any debris or corrosion you see built up inside the pins.