Troubleshooting New LED Trailer Tail Lights Not Working

Updated 09/14/2021 | Published 09/13/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Peterson Trailer Tail Light Kit - Waterproof - Stop, Turn, Tail - Incandescent - Oval - Red Lens

(1145)

$12.38

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(65)

$13.35

Question:

Hi, I recently upgraded my trailer lights from standard to LED. I am having problems getting them to work. My question being do I need a converter kit in order to get them working? 2011 Ford ranger xl 2 door 2.3L engine Thank You

asked by: Wayne P

Expert Reply:

No, you do not need to add a converter to your 2011 Ford Ranger for the new LED lights on your trailer to work.

If you are not getting power, I recommend double checking that your trailer connector has power by using a circuit tester like the # PTW2993 while the turn signals, then brake lights, and lastly the running lights of your vehicle are turned on.

If the vehicle connector has power but the trailer lights are still not working you will need to double check that the lights were wired correctly. Using the circuit tester with the trailer plugged into the vehicle check each wire running from the vehicle connector back to the lights. I recommend checking every few feet as there may be damaged wiring that is causing power to not make it all of the way back.

Lastly if you are getting power to the lights but they do not turn on then you will need to check that the ground wire is connected to clean, bare metal. If the lights do not have a ground wire, then they ground through the mounting hardware so you will need to make sure that the mounting hardware is tight and connected to clean metal and not any sort of plastic/fiberglass.

I included a link to a helpful article on wiring for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C