Tow Light Wiring Problem
Short question - any suggestions on where to start looking for current disruption that occurs when the headlights are on? Long version - After several years of flat towing the jeep with magnetic ST...
Forum Discussion
Thanks for the suggestions. Sounds like a loose or missing ground in my coach lights is somehow causing my toad circuit to not function properly (as explained by Kirk and Wa8yxm). I’ve investigated several ideas, no luck so far.
Given the issue occurs only when the running lights are on (including running lights and head lights), I assumed it was in the coach running light circuit (not the head lights). I looked at the coach STT housings, noticed if I wiggled the ground (green) wire while the running lights were on, the bulb would flicker. I replaced the entire STT light on both sides, thinking a loose bulb socket was the problem (only $12- each, worth a try). No change in symptoms.
I then crawled underneath, looking at the main wires from the battery. I traced them to where the heavy strap grounded the frame to the engine, plus I found a couple smaller ground wires screwed into the frame. All were tight. Plus, it seems like any looseness there would show up in the coach systems. Everything in the coach works properly.
I have a 2’d set of magnetic Toad lights. Same problem with them (so I don’t think those wires are the problem).
I then remembered one of my headlights has moisture inside (still worked, has been this way for years.) I took the head light completely out(no rust at all on the socket). No change in symptoms. I looked at and wiggled the other 3 headlights sockets, no rust or looseness.
I have approx. 12 running lights spread around the coach (like most class A’s). Do I need to start taking every one of them apart and try to trace the ground wire? Most are up in/near the roof, not sure how easy the wires will be to trace.
Any other suggestions?
Given the issue occurs only when the running lights are on (including running lights and head lights), I assumed it was in the coach running light circuit (not the head lights). I looked at the coach STT housings, noticed if I wiggled the ground (green) wire while the running lights were on, the bulb would flicker. I replaced the entire STT light on both sides, thinking a loose bulb socket was the problem (only $12- each, worth a try). No change in symptoms.
I then crawled underneath, looking at the main wires from the battery. I traced them to where the heavy strap grounded the frame to the engine, plus I found a couple smaller ground wires screwed into the frame. All were tight. Plus, it seems like any looseness there would show up in the coach systems. Everything in the coach works properly.
I have a 2’d set of magnetic Toad lights. Same problem with them (so I don’t think those wires are the problem).
I then remembered one of my headlights has moisture inside (still worked, has been this way for years.) I took the head light completely out(no rust at all on the socket). No change in symptoms. I looked at and wiggled the other 3 headlights sockets, no rust or looseness.
I have approx. 12 running lights spread around the coach (like most class A’s). Do I need to start taking every one of them apart and try to trace the ground wire? Most are up in/near the roof, not sure how easy the wires will be to trace.
Any other suggestions?
