No - running lights,only turn signals and brakes

[mjc3276]

He All. Went fishing on the Potomac yesterday. Caught 4 cats- two 5lbs, a 3 lb and 2lb... and when I went to plug in the lights after pulling the boat out, the running lights are not working. My turn signals and brakes are fine. The 7 pin adapter I have shows there is power for all the lights. Any ideas?

Mike

 

[Silvertip]

Re: No - running lights,only turn signals and brakes

Yes -- the brown wire in the trailer harness has a break in it. That wire feeds the tail and marker lights. No power on it and none of those lights work. If the turn and brake lights work you know it's not a ground problem.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: No - running lights,only turn signals and brakes

edit: nevermind

 

[saginawbayboater]

Re: No - running lights,only turn signals and brakes

Do you have running lights on the tow vehicle? If not check fuse.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: No - running lights,only turn signals and brakes

I find running lights (side marker, not tail lights) to be the weak link in the chain--you have a mid-line splice in an inaccessible area laying on metal that gets wet and never dries. I'd rather not put the tail lights at risk.

If you are rewiring, run a dedicated line to the side markers from the front of the trailer rather than splice midline.

I removed mine. The inspector said you can't pass inspection if you have them and they don't work, but you don't have to have them (Virginia). I replaced them with reflective tape. I figure no one's going to drive between the car rear lights and trailer rear lights, being about 22' apart, plus with a big white boat on it and even the trailer guides, no one is going to miss me for lack of a 2" yellow light a foot off the ground.

Your state law may differ.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: No - running lights,only turn signals and brakes

Side Lights and Reflectors required at front of all trailers.
Additional Side Lights required if over 30 ft.
Fender clearance lights required if over 80"wide.

Rules with Pictures.

 

[Outsider]

Re: No - running lights,only turn signals and brakes

The 7 pin adapter I have shows there is power for all the lights.

But only at the adapter, you problem is between there and the running lights. Start looking downstream at the trailer harness plug ...

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: No - running lights,only turn signals and brakes

Agree with outsider. Start tracing down the line for the issue.

 

[T_Herrod]

Re: No - running lights,only turn signals and brakes

Photo's of your wiring harness would be helpful. Do you have a standard flat 4 wire connector on the trailer? Follow the brown wire to the first place it splits to feed the running lights. Could be a bad connection.

 

[mjc3276]

Re: No - running lights,only turn signals and brakes

It is a simple 4 pin. My F-350 has a 7 pin hookup, which I got the adapter with LED test lights to make sure everything works. I think I found the issue. A break in the wire, as it was rubbing the tire on the starboard side. I am going to splice it with waterproof connectors and see if it works out. Luckily I havent had any issues with it, but its a good 30- 60 minute ride to the Potomac or Occaquan resivoir (pending which 1 Im feeling).