Troubleshooting Trailer Brake and Turn Signal Not Functioning on a Trailer

Updated 09/30/2014 | Published 09/29/2014

Question:

No turn or brake. 6 way plug. From tow pu. In rear to center clearances lights damaged. Trail been sitting in op couple years

asked by: James H

Expert Reply:

First place to check will be the grounds of the light assemblies on your trailer. Based on what you said it sounds like the wiring of the trailer is fine, but the grounds of the assemblies aren't sufficient enough to allow the brighter illumination of the stop/turn circuits to illuminate. Check to make sure the assemblies are grounded to a clean metal surface. A lot of assemblies ground through their mounting hardware so you will want to make sure they are attached to a clean metal surface.

Also check the main ground of the trailer wiring, this will be the wire that runs from the trailer connector to the trailer frame. Make sure it is making contact with a clean metal surface.

I also attached a link to the right that will take you to an FAQ article on troubleshooting 4-way installs.

expert reply by: Jameson C