Wiring, Stereo & Electronics Audio Components | Radars | Alarms - and things that spark when they shouldn't

help with trailer lights please

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 3, 2009 | 08:56 PM
  #1  
neverenuff's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (25)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: I-20
Default help with trailer lights please

just bought an old car hauler and put new lights and wiring. The problem is only the left tail light and side markers are working.

No blinkers or brake lights on either side.

I can touch the mounting bolts for the right light to the trailer and it will come on but still no turn/stop.

I obviously messed up somewhere. Any help would be appreciated.
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2009 | 09:05 PM
  #2  
pentavolvo's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,273
Likes: 1
Default

bad ground on that side maybe
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2009 | 09:10 PM
  #3  
neverenuff's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (25)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: I-20
Default

side markers work on both sides.

only have 1 ground on the tongue
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2009 | 07:13 AM
  #4  
WhiteBird00's Avatar
Ungrounded Moderator
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 347
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Default

pentavolvo is correct - it could be a ground problem. If you are relying on the hitch ball to provide ground or there is a bad ground for some other reason, the lights will ground through the other filament of the dual filament bulbs (1157, 2057, 3157, etc.). That gives you running lights but when you try the brake lights or turn signals there is no alternate path to ground so the lights don't work.

Also, does the tow vehicle have turn signals separate from the brake lights? If the tow vehicle has separate bulbs but the trailer uses the same bulb for brake and turn signal then you will need an adapter to connect them.
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2009 | 07:52 AM
  #5  
pentavolvo's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,273
Likes: 1
Default

i ment at the individual bulb, there is only one wire and the bulb socket assembly screws to the frame providing ground there could be rust there. trailers are notorious for ground problems due to corrosion
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2009 | 04:47 PM
  #6  
neverenuff's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (25)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: I-20
Default

thanks for the help guys but it was just blown fuses in the truck (06 f-150). everything is working now.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:31 PM.

story-0
6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

Don't get dad new socks or a grill brush this year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 14:55:56


VIEW MORE
story-1
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-2
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-6
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-9
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE