trailer lights

[BigDaddy]

The only lights that aren't working are the running lights. Brake, turn signal, haz work fine. I've connected to another car and they work. To me it sounds like it's something with my vehicle. Where do I start? Thanks in advance for any help.

[krause]

They sale a plug from 8-10 bucks that has led lights per each wire that light up that lets you know whats working or not working.That would pin point which wire is broken.Is your plug in good shape?I replace mine last year and the ground plug is already broken but still have all my lights.

[wally-eye]

Just got rid of an 03 Dodge Dakota. In the 4 years I owned it I had to replace the 7pin to 4flat pin three different times. Each time the problem I had was what you are encountering. Had everything but running lights. New plug and it worked fine, well for a year anyways.........

The plug is a good place to start and will give you an idea if the problem is elsewhere.......

[SalmonBum]

What kinda tow rig? If you have a Ford, Check the fuse panel for a "Trailer" fuse. If, for some reason, something grounded out, it will blow this fuse.

[BigDaddy]

GM.

[fishergirltc]

We had the same problem with our boat trailer. Worked fine hooked up to other vehicles but not ours. Ended up being the connector plug on our vehicle. We got a new one and it works fine now.

[andy capp]

If you dont cover the plug on you vehicle, the running light socket is the first to corrode. When you have your headlights on, an electrical current is going right into that socket. Salt and road grime can increase oxidation in the socket and cause it not to work. I 'll bet if you look at you plug, one socket is really green. Try to clean it out real good with sandpaper and put some dielectric grease in the sockets.

[SabikiRig]

What kinda tow rig? If you have a Ford, Check the fuse panel for a "Trailer" fuse. If, for some reason, something grounded out, it will blow this fuse.

My 2007 GMC Sierra has a fuse for the trailer. I ran into a similar issue and a fuse was the problem. I also re-terminated the ground on the trailer it was pretty loose.

Just like Andy Capp mentioned I also made sure the plugs were clean. A little dab of Die-Electric Grease on each plug takes care of the corrosion issue.

[BigDaddy]

When Krause mentioned the tester I remembered I had one. Tested and showed no tail light. Replaced the plug, but not all the way back to the splice. Still have the same problem. When I had the hitch installed they used the crimp type splice I found that and see no problems with it. I appreciate all the advice so far, any more ideas? Called to a trailer place and they want at least 45 to look at seems kinda steep to me.

[Greenbush future]

I have the same issue with my new Avalanche and boat trailer. I have tried other plugs and still have issues with running lights. You cant catch Walleyes getting up after the sun comes up!

[FERG 06]

When Krause mentioned the tester I remembered I had one. Tested and showed no tail light. Replaced the plug, but not all the way back to the splice. Still have the same problem. When I had the hitch installed they used the crimp type splice I found that and see no problems with it. I appreciate all the advice so far, any more ideas? Called to a trailer place and they want at least 45 to look at seems kinda steep to me.

I'd be willing to bet those crimp connectors are where the problem is. They are notorious for allowing water to get to the bare wire. When ever I have to use one I totally coat it with liquid electric tape.

Here's a tip for keeping the 7 pin connectors from corroding inside. I used to silicone the door shut in the winter. but if I needed to use the utility trailer that didn't work so good so I started putting a piece of saran wrap over the opening and letting the door shut. Seems to seal it pretty good and you can still use the plug whenever.

[huntingmaniac45]

I would bet its the crimp on connectors, there junk, have always had problems with them. Whatever pin is the problem follow that wire back to the crimp connector, and redo it, problem should be solved.