Parking Lights Do Not Work When Using a 7-Way to 4-Way Adapter with a 2008 Chevrolet 1500  

Question:

Expert Reply:

If you are seeing a TM on your trailer connector or on the 7-way to 4-way adapter, then the TM means tail/marker lights, or the parking lights, you are referring to.

The first step that I would take is to get a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 and test each pin or blade on the connector on your 2008 Chevrolet 1500 to make sure it is functioning properly. If you have a signal for the taillights at the connector on your vehicle, then you know the issue is not with the vehicle wiring. If you do not have a signal for the taillights, then you know the issue is in the vehicle wiring. You may want to check for a blown fuse in your power distribution box.

If you do have a tail light signal at the connector on your vehicle, plug in your adapter and test the pins on the adapter. If you do not have a tail light signal reaching the connector on the adapter, then you know you have a bad adapter. If you do have a tail light signal coming through the adapter, then the issue is most likely on your trailer.

If the issue is with your trailer wiring, then there are a few things you can check. First, make sure all of the tail lights and marker lights are grounded to a clean, bare metal surface, preferably to the trailer frame. Once the ground connections are checked, follow the tail light circuit and look for any bent, frayed or damaged sections that could be causing a short.

I have attached a video of my co-worker testing a trailer connector and an article on trailer wiring. These should help while you are troubleshooting this issue. If you were unable to find the problem or a solution by following these steps, then let me know what you come up with so we can take further steps.

expert reply by: John H

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