no running lights

[sergioy]

I've got a 2003 Ford econoline van that I use to tow my boat with, but I noticed the other day that I do not have any running lights. All the other lights work just fine. I've checked to make sure it was not the trailer lights themselves. I hooked up my travel trailer and the same thing is going on.<br /><br />I know nothing about electronics so I am at a loss here. Do any of you have any advise on what this could be, where can I start trouble shooting the issue.

 

[Mark42]

Re: no running lights

Start by using a test meter or 12v bulb with 2 wires soldered on it and test the trailer connector on the van. With the parking lights on and the flashers going, you should have two flashing circuits and one constant on. The fourth connection is the ground (assuming you have the standard flat connector). Check for corrossion on the connector for the running light. If the brakes work then the ground is probably OK.

 

[sergioy]

Re: no running lights

Its a flat connection with no corrosion on the connectors. I will get a test meter and see if I cna pinpoint where the issue is.

 

[burp]

Re: no running lights

Water_surge, If you have a 4 pin flat connector on you Econoline, turn on the lights and check for 12 volts on the brown color wire of the connector. I have recently fixed the same problem on my neighbor's F150 and Expedition. The problem was caused by a blown 20 amp fuse in the fuse/relay box under the hood.

 

[sergioy]

Re: no running lights

Thanks burp, I will go ahead and check for that.

 

[BassCat73]

Re: no running lights

If a blown fuse is the problem, would the same problem be ocurring on the vehicle as well?

 

[sergioy]

Re: no running lights

I gave the van a good once over and found no blown fuses. <br />All the van lights are OK. I hate to take this to a mechanic, as I know it will cost me quite a bit. I'll have to look it over once more.

 

[tommays]

Re: no running lights

<br /><br />all the running lights come off one wire if you have power comeing out of the van than you need to see if its getting to the lights <br /><br />if both trailers have the same problem it sounds like your not getting power out of the van<br /><br />if its getting there then you have to make sure they have good grounds<br /><br />if you have a small battery charger you can hook it up directly to the trailer and see if the lights work <br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[burp]

Re: no running lights

Originally posted by BassCat73:<br /> If a blown fuse is the problem, would the same problem be ocurring on the vehicle as well?

BassCat, On the F150 and Expedition, there is a fuse panel under the dash AND a fuse panel under the hood. In both cases, a 20 fuse under the hood was blown which caused NO problems with lights on the tow vehicle itself.

 

[Realgun]

Re: no running lights

When I bough my New/Used F-150 the lights didnt work with the factory plug. But they were fine with the Ranger i just traded in. I had to look real hard at the owners manual. There are three fuses under the hood for lights and such. Replaced those and now it works fine.

 

[monoshock]

Re: no running lights

First thing everyone should own is a 12 test light, if you don’t have one you will be lost from the start. Any auto parts store should have one $4 to $10 range. My 2 cents.

 

[sergioy]

Re: no running lights

Well, guys I got it fixed this weekend. It was a blown fuse. This thing has these mamoth fuses under the hood that im sure other ford trucks have, but I had never dealt with anything this big. What happened the first time I tested the fuses is that when I touched one end of the fuse the light on the tester came on so I never tested the other end. But when I retested it again this weekend I touched the bad post first and no power.<br />Im sure one of you more experienced guys would have solved this quicker but when it comes to electronics I totally clueless.<br />Again thanks for the help. By the way it was the big 30 amp fuse that was blown.

 

[burp]

Re: no running lights

Good to hear! Don't feel bad, those of us that deal with electronics every day get fooled every once in a while too. Sometimes it's just best to step away for a little break and then start over again.