Front Running Lights

[Dan Salvin]

I have a small boat trailer. for some reason, the two front orange auburn lights (which are only wired to the brown running lights wire) are also blinking when I turn on the directional and getting brighter when I put in the brakes. Also, my dashboard lights dim when I hit the brakes (maybe because the front lights are pulled power when they should not?). Anyone have any thoughts? I did check all the grounds and they all seem ok.

 

[sunrunner190]

Re: Front Running Lights

The ground is not ok, this is a classic symptom of a ground problem. Always suspect a grounding problem. I own 5 trailers and the ground is usually the problem.

 

[Dan Salvin]

Re: Front Running Lights

Ok. Thanks. I will check them all again.

 

[Turx]

Re: Front Running Lights

yep, ground issue. I have found running a separate ground wire is well worth the effort and is much better than depending on a metal to metal contact acting as a ground source.

 

[can-amsledder]

Re: Front Running Lights

Yep, definitely a ground issue! The brake/turn lights are backfeeding through the ground. The power is taking the path of least resistance.

 

[Dan Salvin]

Re: Front Running Lights

Given the symptoms, is there any way to tell which ground is the problem? Should I focus on the front orange lights, the back lights or the main ground up front? I don't think the issue if in the car - we drive a honda pilot and the wire harness just plugs in the an existing plug in the back. Thanks.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Front Running Lights

It takes a little work, but it's worth it to add a separate ground for each light on your trailer.