Trailer light help

[MN190]

Hello all,

New to the forum.

Have a question about the 3 light Identification Light Bar on the rear of the trailer.

It got smashed up at the shop while being winterized. I was sent a replacement. It’s a LED type and the trailer had a non-LED type.

I figured no big deal and the LED would be an upgrade.

The new LED only has 1 wire. What should I do with the other wire.

I just spliced the wire and twisted them together to test before actually making a secure connection. I could not get it to work at all and all my running lights are no longer working.

The only light that works is my rear right turn signal and brake light.

The Left brake light needs to be replaced as it is corroded out.


What is the proper way to hook the new 3 LED light bar or should I get an OEM type?

Thanks

 

[FLBulldogger]

I replaced my old ID light with an LED and did the same as you since there were no instructions...make sure you use the white wire and place it on one of the screws on the back (just back one of the screws off slightly and wrap the wire around and tighten back up) of the light as a ground and that should do it. Also I read lots of reviews about the longevity of these type of lights, so I used a marine grade silicone (clear) sealant around all the lights and around the frame try and stop any water intrusion. Thankfully they have been working for the last 6 months.

 

[MN190]

I replaced my old ID light with an LED and did the same as you since there were no instructions...make sure you use the white wire and place it on one of the screws on the back (just back one of the screws off slightly and wrap the wire around and tighten back up) of the light as a ground and that should do it. Also I read lots of reviews about the longevity of these type of lights, so I used a marine grade silicone (clear) sealant around all the lights and around the frame try and stop any water intrusion. Thankfully they have been working for the last 6 months.

Thanks, I'll give that a shot.

 

[MN190]

All good. Thanks!

 

[FLBulldogger]

Glad to see them working!

 

[MN190]

Now I have another issue.

I replaced the Left Side tail light because the original was corroded out and was not working after a cleaning and new bulb.


The running lights work on the new Left Side tail light but not the brake light or turn signal.


All the other lights on the trailer are working fine.

Any ideas of the issue?

 

[FLBulldogger]

I would suspect that you have a short or the wire connecting the brake light and turn signal after the marker light.

It appears they are both connected to the same wire (brown) if you have a voltmeter you could see if there is any voltage at the tail light socket. If you don't I would think the wire is broken or corroded. Probably have to rerun that side. I would also suspect a ground issue.

great simple video here to help you troubleshoot.

 

[MN190]

I would suspect that you have a short or the wire connecting the brake light and turn signal after the marker light.

It appears they are both connected to the same wire (brown) if you have a voltmeter you could see if there is any voltage at the tail light socket. If you don't I would think the wire is broken or corroded. Probably have to rerun that side. I would also suspect a ground issue.

great simple video here to help you troubleshoot.

Thanks for the detailed reply.

 

[MBrown]

Check your fuses on your vehicle. Left trailer turn and left trailer brake are combined and could be the culprit if you blew the fuse before you replaced the left side light.

 

[MN190]

Thanks for all the replies. Turns out mice chewed up some of the wires.

Got it fixed.