Vehicle Bulb Out Sensor Goes Off When Towing a Trailer with LED Lights
Published 04/24/2013
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have installed this kit on a shorelander jet ski trailer and the brake lights work fine went I use the turn signal they do not work I get a buld out warning on my dash but lights are on and brake lights work any sugestions on what could be wrong it is wired as per instructions I aslo have another trailer i pull and have not had a problem with it It is only this trailer
asked by: Dave P
Expert Reply:
The bulb out sensor indicates that you may have a BMW, Volkswagen, Porsche, AUdi, or other German vehicle. These vehicles have a problem when towing a trailer with LED trailer lights. The problem is what you have described. The LED lights do not draw enough power (in this case it is just the blinkers) and it makes the vehicle think there is a bulb out.
The fix is to use a special adapter, # C35FR, which will eliminate this problem because it adds load resistors that increase the draw on the system. (This will work even if you do not have a German vehicle, it is just that this problem first occurred with those vehicles.)
If your vehicle does not have a 7-Way connector and you cannot use this adapter, you will need to install load resistors on the brake/turn light wires on the trailer. You can use # DI34ZR. I have linked installation instructions for you.
If you have a 7-Way trailer connector but the trailer does not have a 4 or 5-Way flat trailer connector like the adapter requires, then there are 2 options. First, if the trailer has a 7-Way you can wait for the forthcoming 7-Way to 7-Way adapter coming out soon that works the same way as the adapter described above. Or, you can install load resistors on the trailer wiring.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
7-Way to 4-Way/5-Way Trailer Adapter for Vehicles with Lamp-Out Sensors Towing Trailers with LEDs
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Wiring Adapters
- Universal Fit
- 7 Blade to 4 Flat
- 7 Blade to 5 Flat
- Plug Only
- CURT
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: 7-Way to 4-Way/5-Way Trailer Adapter for Vehicles with Lamp-Out Sensors Towing Trailers with LEDs
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Install Tekonsha Brake Controller in 2021 Porsche Cayenne with Tow Package
- Search Results: tekonsha trailer brake controller
- Search Results: tekonsha trailer brake controller p3
- Search Results: redarc trailer brake controller
- Video: The Low-Down on the Curt Wiring Adapter for Tekonsha Brake Controller
- Q&A: How To Install a Trailer Brake Controller On a 2017 Audi Q7 with 7-Way
- Q&A: Redarc Plug and Play Brake Controller Adapter for a 2021 Audi Q7
- Q&A: Prodigy P2 and P3 vs Curt Triflex Controller Comparison
- Shop: Load Resistor Kit for LED Turn Signals - 50 Watts - 6 Ohm - Qty 2
- Shop: Curt Wiring Adapter for Cequent Trailer Brake Controller Wiring Harnesses - Dual Plug In
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Wiring Adapter for Tekonsha Brake Controller Harness
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Curt Wiring Adapter for Tekonsha Brake Controller
- Shop: Curt Echo Under-Dash Bluetooth Brake Controller w/ Plug-In Harness - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Video: All About the Load Resistor Kit for LED Turn Signals
- Video: A Closer Look at the 7-Way Trailer Adapter for Towing Trailers with LED Lights
- Q&A: Recommended Adapter for a Audi Towing a Trailer w/ LED Lights
- Q&A: LED Trailer Lights Flickering When Towed by 2015 Audi Q7
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Review RED24FR
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
on Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
