Forum Discussion

Baja_Man's avatar
Baja_Man
Explorer
Dec 23, 2015

Trailer lights - Need Assistance

I plugged in my trailer plug to truck receptacle. All lights work correctly except for the right rear taillight that I just replaced. The wires appear to be reversed. When running lights are on the stop (brighter filament)light is on making that taillight brighter than the other one.

I did replace the tail light housing and lens but there are only three wires (brown for running lights, Green for stop/turn, and white for ground. I even put the old housing back obn to check and still does not correct problem.

I also hooked up my boat to see if truck receptacle was wired OK and the lights work perfect.

I can't recall if the lights worked OK before since I only trailered once for a few miles.

If I reverse the brown and green wires at tailight, all works well. Not sure if that is the correct solution.

Help!!!

Thanks
  • Baja_Man's avatar
    Baja_Man
    Explorer
    Dec 24, 2015
    double checked the plug on trailer and it is correct (based on etrailer.com wiring diagram for 7 pin RV blade). Double checked light fixture and it is correct.
  • Farmerjon's avatar
    Farmerjon
    Explorer
    Dec 24, 2015
    Going by what you have said, that the left side is working OK then the wires to that right light reversed and that would probably be where they are spliced in to the wires going to the left side.
    They don't have to be corrected if you can stand knowing it is wrong but you have made it work. If you find it is very difficult to get to the splice and all the lights are working the only harm would be if you or someone else ever replace the fixture again and would be confused by it.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Dec 24, 2015
    Baja Man wrote:
    I plugged in my trailer plug to truck receptacle. All lights work correctly except for the right rear taillight that I just replaced. The wires appear to be reversed. When running lights are on the stop (brighter filament)light is on making that taillight brighter than the other one.

    I did replace the tail light housing and lens but there are only three wires (brown for running lights, Green for stop/turn, and white for ground. I even put the old housing back obn to check and still does not correct problem.

    I also hooked up my boat to see if truck receptacle was wired OK and the lights work perfect.

    I can't recall if the lights worked OK before since I only trailered once for a few miles.

    If I reverse the brown and green wires at tailight, all works well. Not sure if that is the correct solution.

    Help!!!

    Thanks


    Sounds like you have your answer!!!
  • Baja_Man's avatar
    Baja_Man
    Explorer
    Dec 24, 2015
    Switched tailight wires (brown to green and green to brown) and now all is great!:B

    Thanks!
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Dec 24, 2015
    I always carry one of these truck side 7-way testers in my tool box just to quickly eliminate the truck side from being the problem... Each of my lines going to the trailer connector is fused on the truck side... If the tester is showing everything working OK then I know the problem is on the trailer side.

    ETRAILER has these...



    Sounds like you are good to go...

    We have found some of the LED lights replacements have to be inserted in their socket correctly like the 521 bulb replacment before they work. This is a different problem then you was having.

    Roy Ken
  • Badhabit's avatar
    Badhabit
    Explorer
    Dec 25, 2015
    Sounds to me like a poor ground. See if you can take a piece of wire and hold it to the body of the light bulb and a known good ground. If the light clears up then the ground is the problem. It may even be a poor connection between the socket and the lamp base or between the socket and light.

    H
  • kenboat's avatar
    kenboat
    Explorer
    Dec 26, 2015
    Those bulbs can be put in wrong. You will usually destroy the bulb trying to get it back out, so watch for breaking glass.

    I have seen plenty of times.
  • Baja_Man's avatar
    Baja_Man
    Explorer
    Dec 27, 2015
    As it turns out, I had to replace the left side light and housing. What do you know.........the wires were switched (brown to green)!! So, yes, do not trust the colors!

About Fifth Wheel Group

19,006 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 13, 2025