Troubleshooting Trailer Lights
One of the most common reasons for an officer to pull a driver over is for a faulty light. Below are some basic guidelines on how to troubleshoot some of the problems that may arise with a trailer lighting system
One of the most common reasons for an officer to pull a driver over is for a faulty light. Below are some basic guidelines on how to troubleshoot some of the problems that may arise with a trailer lighting system.
Possible causes: Burnt out light bulb causing a break in the system; corrosion in harness, light plug or pigtail; ground problem; hydraulic lock from too much dielectric grease; bad spot in wiring harness; issues in the 7-way plug; issues from the tractor.
1. Check to see if you have power at the 7-way of the trailer.
- If there is no power there, check the back of the 7-way cable from the tractor.
- If there is no power there, check the 7-way socket on the tractor.
2. Check for a good ground.
3. Check the condition of the 7-way connector.
- Check for a secure connection.
- Check to see if corrosion is present.
Possible causes: Burnt out light bulb; corrosion in harness, light plug or pigtail; ground problem; hydraulic lock from too much dielectric grease; bad spot in wiring harness; issues in the 7-way plug; issues from the tractor.
1. Check the lamp with a lamp tester.
- If the lamp functions, try re-installing it. If the lamp is not functional, move on to step two.
2. With the power on, check the pigtail for continuity.
- If the pigtail does not function, check the jumper that connects the pigtail to the harness.
- If the jumper does not function, check the main harness.
- Keep working upstream in the system until you get a connection that functions. From there you know the problem is downstream in the system.
Possible causes: Small amount of corrosion build up; ground problem; short in wiring harness; loose pins in 7-way; loose wire in 7-way; problem in the tractor.
1. Visually check connections and wire jacketing.
2. Start testing from the front of the trailer beginning with the 7-way socket. Disconnect one piece of the harness at a time and check the circuit.
Possible Causes: Electrical short, crossed wires or a bad switch.
1. Visually inspect all connections and wire jacketing.
2. Check the harness one piece at a time starting from the rear and working your way back up to the 7-way socket.
From the December 2012 issue of the Phillips' Qwik Tech Tips newsletter. To subscribe to Phillips' Qwik Tech Tips newsletter, visit www.phillipsqwiktechtips.com.
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