Forum Discussion

aftermath's avatar
aftermath
Explorer III
May 04, 2017

No Ceiling lights on Battery Power

I am stumped. I have just repurchased my old 1979 Starcraft Tent trailer. I reworked all the running, stop and tail lights. Everything works great. The two ceiling lights worked too along with and outside light I added back in the early 90's.

Today I went out and put it up to wash it. No ceiling lights, no porch light. The battery is good, 12.7V and the three lights work when connected to 110. Nothing works when just on the battery. I checked all three at the fixtures and they read 12.5 volts. I am measuring across the switch and the ground that holds the bulbs. They were working a few weeks ago and the trailer has been in my garage all the time. All grounds look good and the 12v line is fine.

If there was no voltage at the light fixture I would suspect a bad ground but I have power at all three locations but still no lights.

Help. I am stumped in Spokane.
  • FIXED IT! Thanks Westend for pointing me toward the test light. I checked the battery and it was fine. I went to the exterior porch light and nothing.

    Using the light I went next to the fuse holder mounted on the tongue and found a bad connection in the line that feeds the ceiling lights. I still have the owners manual that includes a schematic diagram. This was very helpful.

    Tightened up the connection and all is good. I still can't figure out how I was getting a reading with my VOM at the light. Again, thanks Westend, you were spot on.