Light Trouble

[ferrariowner123]

Ok im new to the forum and i would like to ask my first question.
My Question is on my 1996 celebrity firestar, my dad and i have been having some trouble with our left tail light. The problem is the brake and turning signals dont work but the running lights do, and so far we have replace the light and the light harness, and still the same result, i think its the rear left section of the main trailer harness because the running light on the front of the fender works, but the running light in the back dosn't work so should i pull the harness out and look for breaks or corrosion?
I'm really stumped and dont want to spend any more money on something that isn't going to fix the problem, or cost me alot of time?
thanks

 

[Chris Hays]

Re: Light Trouble

The first thing to do is start with the obvious, pull the lenses off the rear lights, (4 screws) and check the bulbs for corrosion or a blown bulb, if your right light is working try putting that bulb in the left light and so on. Another simple thing to check is the ground wire, it should be the white one coming out of the back of the light plug which connects to the tow vehicle, make sure it is grounded to the trailer frame good, maybe remove it and clean it just to be sure. Also it could possibly be the tow vehicle itself, get a test light or DVOM and check for voltage at each connector terminal, (except the ground) and you should have 12 volts to the terminal which the brown wire goes to when the marker or headlights are on, (which you have), then the green and yellow should both have 12v when you press the brakes or put on the hazards, (although this will be hard to read with a DVOM when its flashing). If there is no voltage at the car then check your fuses, (did you launch without unplugging the lights???).

 

[ferrariowner123]

Re: Light Trouble

well the light itself is one sealed unit and the plug has three leads going into the light, and the ground wire was looking a little rusted but its rivited to the trailer frame, what should i use to clean it with? and i check all of the fuses on the tow truck and checked if there was any voltage to the plug on the light and there was only voltage to the running light and nothing to the brake or turning indicators.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Light Trouble

Go to an auto parts store and find you one of the plug in's that plugs into you harness coming from the tow vehicle.
It has a set of lights in it that lights up when the lights are turned on, tail, stop etc.
That is a sure fire way of telling that things are right with the tow vehicle.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Light Trouble

(although this will be hard to read with a DVOM when its flashing)..

True, but the trick is setting the DVM to "continuity". It will then beep for every flash


As far as riveted grounds go, the solution is to drill them out, clean up the frame in that area, and either replace them with new rivets or screws. You could verify they're not grounding with a DVM first and possibly save yourself the trouble...

 

[ferrariowner123]

Re: Light Trouble

yeah i got the new plug and have replaced it, would it help if i took some pics?

 

[ferrariowner123]

Re: Light Trouble

heres some plic of my lights and i couldn't get the link to my light for a better pic becasue all of the new light are with LED's. sorry but tell me what you can form the pics

Thanks.

 

[rndn]

Re: Light Trouble

When you clean the ground rivet, remove the rivet with a drill, sand or wire brush the area so you have clean shiny metal and replace the ring terminal with a new one and screw it to the frame. You could pop rivet it but I prefer to use a screw so it's servicable in a few years when it will get rusted again.

 

[Chris Hays]

Re: Light Trouble

The problem could also lie in the scotch connectors, them little blue things, they are not very good for boat trailer use as it lets water get right onto the wires. I would solder them and use heat shrink on em for a good connection. If your car is not working that is probably the issue. Get one of them light up things as suggested and check your car or even better find a trailer you know works and hitch up to it to check. What kind of vehicle do you have??

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Light Trouble

I didn't know they were LEDs. That introduces another variable. LEDs only function when the polarity is correct, i.e. + must go to +, and - to -. They will not work if reversed like and incandescent will. Be sure they're hooked up correctly...

 

[ferrariowner123]

Re: Light Trouble

Well thanks for all of the help i just got back from vaction with the boat so thats why i couldn't post but i think im going to fix the ground then the little blue things, and bjcsc, there not LED's i said i could find a part number for a buld light like mine because all of the new light for sale out there are LED'S