Forum Discussion

hpdrver's avatar
hpdrver
Explorer
Dec 12, 2020

Light Problem

I have been trying to troubleshoot an exterior light problem on my son-in-law 2011 Dutchman trailer. The two exterior lights do not work. I checked the switch and it was okay. I changed the fuse for these lights and still not fixed. However, there is a strange issue.

In the distribution box of fuses, there is a little red light for each fuse. When I pull out a fuse, the red light comes on for all the fuses in the box except the exterior light fuse. When I pull this fuse, the red light does not light up like it does for the other fuses.

Any thoughts on what is wrong is appreciated. Thanks
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Dec 12, 2020
    Maybe a loose wire connection to that fuse, somewhere in the distribution box. Never hurts to tighten all connections every so many years.

    Jerry
  • BarabooBob's avatar
    BarabooBob
    Explorer III
    Dec 12, 2020
    Try pulling the fuse for the outside lights. Next connect a jumper wire from the supply end of one of the other fuses to the feed side of the outside light fuse. Check the function of the outside lights. If the lights work, your problem is within your power system. You can make the jumper by using male spade connectors and a short wire.
  • 12th_Man_Fan's avatar
    12th_Man_Fan
    Explorer
    Dec 12, 2020
    Not trying to be a wise guy but did you check the bulbs. When I got my RV both bulbs were burned out.
  • hpdrver's avatar
    hpdrver
    Explorer
    Dec 13, 2020
    First thing I did was replace the bulbs. No power to fuse seems probable since red bulb does not light when fuse is removed. Your suggestions confirm this possibility so next step will be to look at distribution box connections. Thanks
  • BurbMan's avatar
    BurbMan
    Explorer II
    Dec 13, 2020
    Check the ground at the fixture...typically the neutral wire is just pop riveted to the tin metal on the back of the fixture and corrodes easily. Common issue with tail lights also. Lack or ground in the circuit would prevent that "fuse out" light from working normally.
  • CharlesinGA's avatar
    CharlesinGA
    Explorer
    Dec 13, 2020
    The red fuse warning light will NOT illuminate if there is no load on the circuit. You have a wire disconnected or broken.

    Charles
  • hpdrver's avatar
    hpdrver
    Explorer
    Dec 13, 2020
    Checked power to fuse and it shows 12v power. Next I checked light and 12v power is going to one side of switch but does not show any 12v power to the other side of switch when switched on.
    If I am checking this correctly, the switch is bad so fixture needs to be replaced. Would this bad fixture cause the problem with the red fuse light not coming on when fuse is removed? Thanks
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer II
    Dec 14, 2020
    Yes. It would. That red light will NOT illuminate unless SOMETHING on that circuit is pulling current, and since that switch is bad, NOTHING on that circuit is pulling current.

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