Troubleshooting trailer light problems can be straightforward if you know what to look for. Here are some tips to simplify checking your trailer lights and electrical connections:
Common Causes for Trailer Lights Not Working: A Guide for SylvanSport GO and GO EASY Trailers
Understanding how to troubleshoot trailer light issues is crucial to maintaining your SylvanSport GO or GO EASY trailer in safe working condition. Various complications can cause lights to malfunction. Knowing what to look for can help you inspect your vehicle and trailer thoroughly to determine the necessary repairs.
Common Reasons Trailer Lights Stop Working
Trailer lights are essential for road safety, and adequate light fixtures are required by law when towing a trailer. Faulty wiring or declining bulbs can cause various trailer light complications. Here are some common signs that indicate your trailer lights need attention and maintenance:
- No light function: None of your trailer lights are working.
- Partial light function: Some lights malfunction while others operate correctly. For example, brake lights may work, but the right turn signal doesn’t.
- Sporadic light function: A light may work intermittently or flicker on and off.
- Gradual performance decline: Lights may gradually stop working after a period of functioning correctly.
- Reverse light malfunction: The trailer’s reverse lights may not work.
- Activation of the wrong lights: Incorrect lights may turn on when using certain ones, such as both tail lights turning on when using one turn signal.
- Continual function: Some trailer lights may stay on even when the ignition is off if there is a wiring issue.
- Faulty harness functioning: The trailer harness may work properly but malfunction when the trailer is connected, often due to grounding wire issues.
Identifying the source of these issues is the first step in troubleshooting. Here are some common causes and solutions to help you restore this important safety feature on your SylvanSport trailer.
Disconnected or Corroded Ground Wires
Ground wires and bolts transfer power from your tow vehicle to your trailer, allowing the lights to work. The four-prong plug from your tow vehicle contains a grounding wire that connects to the trailer or its tongue. Most vehicle ground wires are white and have a metal electrical connector eyelet.
Some trailer lights have additional individual ground wires, while others use bolts instead of wires. These electrical components can malfunction due to:
- Debris or corrosion: Ground wires and bolts must be clean. Any debris or corrosion can hinder power transfer. Ensure they are free of paint, debris, and corrosion.
- Loose connections or disconnection: Flickering lights when shaking the trailer may indicate loose ground nuts that need tightening.
- Old bolts: Existing bolts may hinder maintaining a solid electrical ground. Drilling into the trailer to attach bolts with adequate coating is usually necessary.
- Folded trailer: Ensure a foldable trailer is fully extended before connecting grounding wires and operating the lights.
- Incompatible materials: Homemade trailers made of composite materials may lack the metal needed for a solid electrical ground. Tail light housings require connection to a metal trailer frame.
Blown Fuse
Broken, pinched, crimped, or worn wires can blow a fuse in the trailer’s electrical system. A blown fuse might also indicate the need to replace your vehicle’s fuse. If the fuse is in good condition, check for damaged wires and consider replacing the entire wiring harness if necessary.
Worn Bulb
A worn bulb is the easiest trailer light complication to fix. If a bulb is worn, one of your tail lights will likely fail to turn on. If the electrical system is in good condition, replacing the bulb should resolve the issue.
Trailer Light Troubleshooting Tips
Troubleshooting trailer light problems can be simple if you know what to look for. Here are some tips to simplify checking your trailer lights and electrical connections:
Test Your Electrical System’s Signal
Check your tow vehicle for a blown fuse by using a four-prong adapter light tester:
- Connect the adapter to your tow vehicle’s four-prong plug.
- Test the right and left turn signals to ensure they work correctly.
- If both signals work, the tow vehicle’s electrical circuit and components are in good condition. If not, replace the fuse or fix the connecting points.
- Check for signal output entering the box without coming out or sending power to the wrong wires, indicating a grounding location issue.
Test Your Trailer’s Electrical Components
If the tow vehicle’s signal output reaches the correct wires, the trailer wiring is likely the issue. Connect your trailer lights to the four-prong plug light tester and:
- Use a wire brush to clean the four-prong adapter.
- Plug the adapter into your tow vehicle’s plug.
- Check the ground wires for misconnections or corrosion.
Be Thorough
Thoroughly inspect your vehicle and trailer’s bulbs, light fixtures, connections, and fuse to identify the source of light complications. A thorough inspection helps prevent further issues.
Prevent False Ground
To avoid false ground and identify the true cause of light issues, disconnect the trailer from your tow vehicle. Ensure the following components are disconnected before testing the signal:
- Tow vehicle ball
- Trailer hitch
- Safety chains
- Safety cables
Tips for Hooking up Trailer Lights
Properly connecting your trailer lights helps prevent damage and complications. Follow these tips for correct hookup:
- Ensure you have the essential components.
- Choose the right connector.
- Prevent trailer harness damage.
- Seek professional lighting installation services for the best results.
Trust SylvanSport With Your Trailer Lighting Needs
Trailer lights and their electrical components are vital for safe towing. SylvanSport offers high-quality parts and expert installation and repair services to keep your trailer operating correctly. Contact us to learn more about how we can meet your trailer lighting needs.
For further assistance, please visit our Support Page or find a SylvanSport dealer near you.