New trailer lights not working properly....

[wvyen]

Hello,

My trailer lights were acting funny, so instead of trouble shooting I spent the $24 and just replaced the whole system with a Peterson kit from Lowes. I meticulously installed everything this morning and it is still acting funny. When my Avalanche headlights are off thing are pretty normal except the side lights do not flash with the turn signal, but do flash when I hit the brakes.

It is when I turn my truck headlights on when things get funny. The running lights are all on, when I hit my turn signal every light flashes. When I hit my brakes every light shuts off until I release the brakes. I researched a lot before I posted this and it seems the ground is the most common issue. I double check that the ground is clean and it definitely is. What else could it be? Could it be my 2002 Chevy Avalanche?

 

[Bondo]

Re: New trailer lights not working properly....

Hello,

My trailer lights were acting funny, so instead of trouble shooting I spent the $24 and just replaced the whole system with a Peterson kit from Lowes. I meticulously installed everything this morning and it is still acting funny. When my Avalanche headlights are off thing are pretty normal except the side lights do not flash with the turn signal, but do flash when I hit the brakes.

It is when I turn my truck headlights on when things get funny. The running lights are all on, when I hit my turn signal every light flashes. When I hit my brakes every light shuts off until I release the brakes. I researched a lot before I posted this and it seems the ground is the most common issue. I double check that the ground is clean and it definitely is. What else could it be? Could it be my 2002 Chevy Avalanche?

Ayuh,.... Check Again, it's NOT grounded properly....

Put a set of jumper cables 'tween the trailer, 'n yer truck chassis to test my theory...

 

[wvyen]

Re: New trailer lights not working properly....

Very well sir, I will check your theory with fingers crossed! Back in 5

 

[wvyen]

Re: New trailer lights not working properly....

Ayuh,.... Check Again, it's NOT grounded properly....

Put a set of jumper cables 'tween the trailer, 'n yer truck chassis to test my theory...

Well sir, contrary to what my wife would say, I am happy to say that you were RIGHT...

Now how do I fix it???

 

[colbyt]

Re: New trailer lights not working properly....

Find the ground connection (usually white rarely green) on the truck and clean the connection.

 

[wvyen]

Re: New trailer lights not working properly....

Find the ground connection (usually white rarely green) on the truck and clean the connection.

Ok, so there is a wire that jumps off the 7 pin wires that bolts to the frame, I assume this is the ground? It has a flat braided wire that also connects there and then connects to a different part of the frame. I disconnected where the 2 meet and cleaned everything really well with sandpaper. Reconnected kind still working, but jumper cable test still had the same successful results.

Now what?

 

[wvyen]

Re: New trailer lights not working properly....

I just hooked the trailer up to another vehicle and everything worked perfectly, so I know for sure it is my truck now.

I disconnected the ground again and used the grinder to clean up the frame so the connection is clean and still not working. What can I do?

 

[xd40sw]

Re: New trailer lights not working properly....

I disconnected the ground again and used the grinder to clean up the frame so the connection is clean and still not working. What can I do?

On both of my trucks and any truck I purchase in the future, I run a 10 gauge wire from the ground on the battery, to the rear of the vehicle. Then hook it up to the same place on the frame that the ground wire from your trailer plug hooks up to. The ground that you currently have connected to the frame is relying on multiple jumper wires to keep everything grounded. It's a long run from the back of the vehicle all the way to the front. I have never had a ground related issue since I have been running independent ground wires. Hope that helps.

 

[wvyen]

Re: New trailer lights not working properly....

FIXED!

It was indeed the ground on the truck... I clipped the connector and replaced it with new a one and grinded the surface to make sure everything was clean and wan-lah!

Thanks for all the assistance everyone, I love this place just for that reason!

 

[colbyt]

Re: New trailer lights not working properly....

I would test for ground at the truck side of the trailer connecter. A simple continuity tester will do the job. You may have a broken connection where the wire connects to the pin. When you use the jumper cable the circuit is completed without using that connection.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: New trailer lights not working properly....

Best bet is to try to get a troubleshooting guide from the manufacturer of the actuator.

 

[NYBo]

Re: New trailer lights not working properly....

Best bet is to try to get a troubleshooting guide from the manufacturer of the actuator.

Reply for a different thread, perhaps?

 

[wvyen]

Re: New trailer lights not working properly....

Reply for a different thread, perhaps?

Either way problem is solved...

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: New trailer lights not working properly....

It may be a bit late now , but you can pick up a truck side tester that plugs into the the truck socket to make sure its the trailer and not the truck for like 6.00 at any auto parts store. I keep one in my glove box you never know what will pop up at the ramp or when your hooking to to tow.


http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_4-5-pin-pin-tester-and-maintenance-kit-innovative-of-america_99996837-p?searchTerm=wiring+tester

 

[lncoop]

Re: New trailer lights not working properly....

That's very cool, James. Never knew there was such a critter. I'd better get one of those.