We have a 2005 Silverado 2500 diesel and pull a 2001 Hawk 3 horse slant with LQ and it blows the 15 amp running light fuse as soon as you turn on the lights. It doesn't blow the trucks running light fuse. Just the separate one for the trailer. Where do I start to trouble shoot?
Posted 2008-09-02 4:50 PM (#90837 - in reply to #90831) Subject: RE: Blowing Running Light Fuses!
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
Does the fuse blow with the trailer plug disconnected? If it does, the problem is in the truck's circuit. If it doesn't, the problem is in the trailer. Assuming the problem is with the trailer, and also assuming that this wiring once worked with no difficulties, start with the trailer plug.
Pull it apart and inspect all the wires. Make sure there are no strands of wiring touching each other, and that the end of each wire is fully contained in the socket and held in place with the set screw. Look for broken wires. Your truck's fuse is being blown, by your running light wire touching a ground source.
Find out which wire is your running light source and pay particular attention to its routing through out the trailer. Check each of the running lights for integrity, again broken or chafed wires or a bad socket. All you need is one strand of one wire, touching a grounded spot to cause your difficulties.
Using a battery charger and a nail inserted into the trailer plug sockets, is an easier and cheaper way to trouble shoot than constantly replacing fuses.
Posted 2008-09-02 7:47 PM (#90853 - in reply to #90831) Subject: RE: Blowing Running Light Fuses!
Member
Posts: 8
Well...we tried plugging in another truck and it's blew the fuse also. In trying to trace the wiring it became evident that the manufacture made absolutely no effort to protect the wiring. There are wires going into places that are boxed in and are up against sharp metal edges. No grommets or tape is used at any time. The plug end of the cable was run over awhile back so it's new. The trailer is going to a trailer repair place tomorrow so maybe they can figure it out.Thank you for you reply Gard...I really appreciate it.Sonny