Trails West Horse Trailer with Dome and Spot Lights That are Not Functioning

Updated 10/28/2009 | Published 10/26/2009

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Question:

Interior dome lights and outside spot lights do not work. They did at one time. On a couple of occasions, they came on and slowly faded out. Now, they do not come on at all. All other lights on the trailer work. Suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

asked by: Jim H

Expert Reply:

The interior lighting and spot lights are typically wired two ways. They are either run off of the running light circuit coming off of the trailer connector, or the circuit that provides 12 volt power to the trailer. You do not mention that the running lights are not functioning on the trailer, so I will assume that they are. If these lights are wired to the running light circuit, the problem most likely exists either at the point where the wires providing power to the malfunctioning lights tap into the running light circuit or somewhere along the line between this connection and the lamps themselves. You will have to trace this circuit, looking for broken or pinched wires, or cracked or worn wire insulation.

If the dome and spotlight are wired to the 12-volt accessory circuit, I would suggest you start by testing the pin for this circuit on the trailer connector located on the rear bumper of the tow vehicle. If the vehicle has a 6-way connector, the 12-volt pin will either be the center pin, or the pin just to the left of top center. If the vehicle has the 7-way connector, the 12-volt pin will be just to the right of top center. Test using a circuit tester such as part # PTW2993. If you are getting power on this pin, the problem is somewhere in the trailer wire. You will have to trace this circuit as I mentioned above. If you find no power on the 12-volt pin, you possibly have a blown fuse. Depending on the vehicle, this fuse might be located in the fuse block under the hood. Consult your owner's manual for fuse location.

expert reply by: Mike L