trailer lights issue

rushlimpcall

Recruit
Joined
Sep 4, 2008
Messages
1
I just replaced the bulb on my rear trailer light . It is lighting up, but wont work when i use the turn signal .. suggestions???
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: trailer lights issue

Is the turn signal voltage present at the plug on the tow vehicle. If you have no voltage there, the turn signal on the trailer can't work. It is also possible you have the bulb turned 180 degrees making it wrong in the socket. Yes -- the bulbs are keyed so they only go in one way but sockets are made so cheaply it is really quite easy to insert a bulb the wrong way. Hold the bulb with the brass end up so you can see both nubs. You will note one is located higher than the other. Make sure you get the bulb in correctly. If you have to force it, you are probably doing it wrong.
 

j_martin

Admiral
Joined
Sep 22, 2006
Messages
7,474
Re: trailer lights issue

To clarify it a bit.

There are two seperate filaments, like two seperate bulbs inside a tail light bulb. One can work, and the other not. The reason could be burned out filament, bad wiring, or supply missing. (like silvertip said) The trick is it is really like troubleshooting two seperate bulb circuits.

hope it helps
John
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: trailer lights issue

you have 2 wires going to the bulb, tail light, and stop, turn light, you could be wire wrong on the vehicle, and need the lighting converter. it ties in the turn signal into the stop light wire, so the turn signal works. What Vehicle????
 

Yepblaze

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 1, 2001
Messages
1,686
Re: trailer lights issue

I think the standard answer for most trailer light problems would be check, or remake the ground connections.

Both at, and in the lamp fixtures, and where the ground lead that comes from the plug grounds to the frame.
 

FusionFrank

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 30, 2007
Messages
38
Re: trailer lights issue

I think the standard answer for most trailer light problems would be check, or remake the ground connections.

Both at, and in the lamp fixtures, and where the ground lead that comes from the plug grounds to the frame.​


I agree, I have been towing for years and nearly every time there is a lighting problem, I clean up the grounds and Whoa! the lights work again.​
 

kenmyfam

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 10, 2006
Messages
14,392
Re: trailer lights issue

What made you change the bulb ??? blown filament or the same thing you are experiencing right now ????
If same thing and they were previously O.K. then check all the grounding first.
 
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