Why Would My Trailer Lights Not Work

By | August 5, 2022



If you recently hooked up a trailer to your vehicle and nothing seems to work, it can be difficult to troubleshoot the problem. Many drivers are surprised to discover that the lights on their trailers do not work due to a simple electrical issue. In this article, we will discuss why trailer lights may not work and how to go about fixing it.

The most common reason that a trailer won’t illuminate is because of a lack of power or a fault in the wiring. If the lights are completely unresponsive when the switch is flipped, then most likely the issue is related to the power. Some trucks have more than one power source so check to see if any other power sources are working properly. If none are working, then the trailer is not receiving sufficient current to operate the lights.

Another potential issue can be traced to the wiring itself. If all wires leading from the trailer to the power source are intact, then the fault is likely connected to the ground connection. Trailers connect to the ground via a flat three-wire system located between the frame and the body of the towing vehicle. If this connection is poorly maintained or corroded, then the power will not flow correctly and the lights will not work.

Fortunately, the issues outlined above can be resolved if you know what to look for. Troubleshooting the power source and verifying the wiring are the two most important steps in determining why your trailer lights aren’t working. Fortunately, a few simple tools and a bit of knowledge should be enough to get your trailer running and lighting up the night.


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