Troubleshooting a Trailer That Has Working Turn Signals and Brake Lights But No Running Lights
Updated 05/24/2024 | Published 05/21/2024 >
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Im a camper trailer newbie and attempting to install running lights. Ive checked the wire harness from my vehicle, its good. The wishbone wire harness on the camper, attached only to the back tail light/r and l turn/backup, all work. I thought something easy like the license plate light to start would simple. I spliced a 14 g brown wire to the brown wire going to the left tail light. Connected it to the license plate light black wire and attached the ground to the aluminum siding. No go. The Left/Right turn signal works as well as the brakes and emergency, but not the running light. Any suggestions are welcome. Yes, my wire harness on my vehicle is a 4 pin from Curt attached to a 4 pin wishbone. Thanks
asked by: Joyce
Expert Reply:
Joyce, I recommend using a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to test the trailer and vehicle connectors. If there is no power to the running light pin then there is a break or loose connection somewhere in your wiring that you'll need to address.
Also, something like rust or corrosion on the connector could be causing this issue so I recommend checking on that and cleaning it off if necessary.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
25 Ft 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness - Wishbone Style - 25' Ground
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- Optronics
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: 25 Ft 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness - Wishbone Style - 25' Ground
- Search Results: wishbone harness
- Search Results: trailer axles
- Q&A: Why Would Trailer Wiring Have an Extra Ground Wire
- Q&A: Connecting Ground Wires From Optronics 25' Trailer Wiring Harness With Tail Lights Ground Strap
- Shop: Wire - Jacketed 6-Wire - per Foot
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Shop: 16 Gauge Primary Wire - White - Per Foot
- Shop: etrailer Anti-Rattle Hitch Collar for 2" Hitch Receivers
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Video: A Look at the Power Mountain Tallboy 6 Ton Off-Road Bottle Jack with a Military Cargo Trailer
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Video: Measuring To Choose The Right Trailer Axle
- Q&A: Recommended Bike Rack and Dual Hitch Adapter for Carrying E-Bikes While Flat Towing
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Video: Review of Power Mountain Automotive Tools - Jacks and Jack Stands - PM34FR
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch


Joyce
5/24/2024
Thank you Bryce. Yes, I did all of that. The problem was actually a lot simpler...thank goodness. In all of my research, no one, except one youtube video, mentioned that when hooking up to your vehicle, the "headlights" need to be on. I had my vehicle on "auto" and never gave it a thought. Thank you so much for your input, I do appreciate that. Joyce