Trailer lights don't work

[myjohnson]

My blinkers (left and right) work great however when I turn the lights on in my vehicle the trailer lights don't come on? weird the brake lights work. does anyone know if its just the bulbs or does the actual wiring have to do with this? thanks

 

[chuckz]

Re: Trailer lights don't work

The tail lights are controlled from a different wire than the brake or turn lights. Check for a broken or loose connection. The tail lights also use a separate filament in the bulb but most likely is a broken wire. Check the internet for a wiring diagram of your trailer connector based upon number of pins and shape. Most common for a small boat trailer is a flat four pin connector.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer lights don't work

This is a classic bad ground connection either on the trailer or the tow vehicle. Ground is the white wire in the harness. On the trailer side, make sure the wire wire is firmly attached to a clean, solid chassis ground. Same on the tow vehicle.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer lights don't work

The tail lights operate from the brown wire in the trailer haness. Check voltage at the tow vehicle connector with the lights on. If you have voltage there, the problem is in the trailer. Make sure the connector terminals are clean. The brown wire splits and one leg goes down each side of the trailer. Since neither tail light works, the problem is obviously at or before the split.

 

[monoshock]

Re: Trailer lights don't work

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Trailer lights don't work

Check the fuses in your truck, most trucks with tow package have the light harness seperate from trucks lights and are fused for trailers right/left signal/brake and running, the running light fuse could have blown, which would still allow for signals and brake lights to work. I know my Explorer is Trailer right signal and right brake, left signal and left brake and park/running. I had the same problem you describe and it turned out to be a blown fuse for park/running lights. I still had signals and brake.

 

[myjohnson]

Re: Trailer lights don't work

Thanks guys that really will help me out!!!