No Tow Lights

RypH · 08-19-2016, 05:41 PM

Is there a fuse for the trailer taillights? For some reason I cant get any brake, running or turn signals on my '96 T1950. They worked ok last sunday and now there is nothing. I tow with a 2000 GMC Sierra 1500.

mainah · 08-19-2016, 06:36 PM

Ground? GM had lot of issues with the factory 7 pin one of them being putting the sockets in up side down so that the trailer plug would pull free from the top connections because the door would not hold it in.

RypH · 08-19-2016, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mainah

Ground? GM had lot of issues with the factory 7 pin one of them being putting the sockets in up side down so that the trailer plug would pull free from the top connections because the door would not hold it in.

It worked fine the other day. Just a while ago I was wiggling the plug every which way but nothing lighting up.

Steve Collins · 08-19-2016, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RypH

Is there a fuse for the trailer taillights? For some reason I cant get any brake, running or turn signals on my '96 T1950. They worked ok last sunday and now there is nothing. I tow with a 2000 GMC Sierra 1500.

Get out your multi-meter and test the 7 pin connector on the tow vehicle before anything else. If you've good voltage on all three pins then move on to troubleshooting the trailer.

RypH · 08-20-2016, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Collins

Get out your multi-meter and test the 7 pin connector on the tow vehicle before anything else. If you've good voltage on all three pins then move on to troubleshooting the trailer.

Yes, thanx. I've pretty much narrowed my focus to the truck plug/ground situation. The receptacle may have to be replaced.

RypH · 08-20-2016, 06:40 AM

Does the trailer light wiring pick up ground from the tow hitch or is there a floating ground from the plug?

Steve Collins · 08-20-2016, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RypH

Does the trailer light wiring pick up ground from the tow hitch or is there a floating ground from the plug?

There's ground on Pin #1. It needs to be verified like all the other circuits.

RypH · 08-20-2016, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Collins

There's ground on Pin #1. It needs to be verified like all the other circuits.

Thanx, that is very helpful! I'm going to replace the plug on my truck, it's 16yrs old and all Michigan winters.

mainah · 08-20-2016, 06:57 PM

The hitch is a poor ground there are wires in the connectors just for grounding be sure it is secure at the trailer also. Some campers had fuses in the camper others relayed on the TV's fuses. Either way lousing every thing at the time seems remote. Some GM's have a connection the plugs into the TV socket I have seen several corroded connections there. Often these things have a tendency to accumulate one goes out unnoticed and then another till nothing works.

RypH · 08-20-2016, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mainah

The hitch is a poor ground there are wires in the connectors just for grounding be sure it is secure at the trailer also. Some campers had fuses in the camper others relayed on the TV's fuses. Either way lousing every thing at the time seems remote. Some GM's have a connection the plugs into the TV socket I have seen several corroded connections there. Often these things have a tendency to accumulate one goes out unnoticed and then another till nothing works.

I pulled the vehicle plug apart and much of it crumbled in my hands. I had stopped at the auto parts store and picked up a new one in anticipation. Just finished up with the mess and all went well. It was a thrill to see the camper clearance and tail lights brightly glowing in the rainy night.

Thanx for the tips guys, much appreciated.

mainah · 08-21-2016, 08:32 AM

Good job!

j52wf · 08-21-2016, 08:44 AM

On my '96 Ram, I had to rewire every spring because the ground wire would corrode over the winter. No problems when I finally got a new truck.

Steve Collins · 08-21-2016, 08:47 AM

Well done!

A final point for others that find this thread:

Having a spare 7-way connector for the tow vehicle side is, at least in my opinion, a darned near essential item to have on hand. If you don't carry one, keep in mind that every auto parts store carries them as well as Walmart, Runnings, Central Tractor, and all those utility trailer shops out there. It's not a special order item.

Same goes for the trailer's 7-way pigtail. They're on the same shelf right next to the tv connectors.