Posted 2013-08-19 1:45 PM (#154118) Subject: Lights only when brake or turn signal applied
Member
Posts: 22
Location: Bellevue, NE
Just purchased a brand new trailer and having a problem already. I'm in contact with the dealer, but wanted to ask here too. I only have lights when the brake pedal is applied or turn signal on. Same issue no matter if I plug trailer into receptacle in bed or on bumper. It is a 7-way plug. Inside lights do work. Later today I plan on hooking up to someone else's trailer and having them hook up to mine, to help rule out my tow vehicle. Thanks!
Posted 2013-08-19 9:17 PM (#154128 - in reply to #154124) Subject: RE: Lights only when brake or turn signal applied
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Ditto. It sounds like a bad or improperly wired ground wire. Not all manufactures provide the same 7 pin plug that is often used, so their wiring may differ from the "normal" RV wiring. On some trailers is posted a decal that shows the function of each wire in the plug. You can cross reference this to your truck's receptacle.
Posted 2013-08-21 2:10 PM (#154173 - in reply to #154118) Subject: RE: Lights only when brake or turn signal applied
Member
Posts: 22
Location: Bellevue, NE
We had friend hook up to our trailer and everything worked correctly, then we hooked up our truck to her trailer, and had same problem, so problem is with the truck. Tried to check fuses but they are not what I am used to, so will need to get a tester I think. Prior to this last test, we opened the trailer plug and electrical box and compared to diagram in the owner's manual and everything looked fine. Will check to be sure truck's wiring is correct too. Thanks everyone!
Posted 2013-08-25 12:01 PM (#154251 - in reply to #154118) Subject: RE: Lights only when brake or turn signal applied
Member
Posts: 22
Location: Bellevue, NE
Paul, the truck is brand new, so the bumper plug and fuse box were installed by Ford at the factory. But, we had the dealership install a turnover ball and plug in the bed at time of purchase. The plug on the bumper AND the plug in the bed, both illicit same response. No running lights at all, but brake lights and turn lights work when brake applied or turn signal turned on.
Posted 2013-08-25 6:49 PM (#154259 - in reply to #154251) Subject: RE: Lights only when brake or turn signal applied
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by billnchristi on 2013-08-25 12:01 PM
Paul, the truck is brand new, so the bumper plug and fuse box were installed by Ford at the factory. But, we had the dealership install a turnover ball and plug in the bed at time of purchase. The plug on the bumper AND the plug in the bed, both illicit same response. No running lights at all, but brake lights and turn lights work when brake applied or turn signal turned on.
Did you check the marker light fuse under the hood?
Posted 2013-08-25 9:55 PM (#154263 - in reply to #154118) Subject: RE: Lights only when brake or turn signal applied
Member
Posts: 22
Location: Bellevue, NE
Yes, it was a square, black fuse, not the kind I'm used to where you can visibly see inside to see if the filament or whatever is broken. No way to see inside this one. Guess I need a tester or take it to the dealership and have them test all the trailer related fuses.
Posted 2013-08-25 10:46 PM (#154264 - in reply to #154263) Subject: RE: Lights only when brake or turn signal applied
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by billnchristi on 2013-08-25 9:55 PM
Yes, it was a square, black fuse, not the kind I'm used to where you can visibly see inside to see if the filament or whatever is broken. No way to see inside this one. Guess I need a tester or take it to the dealership and have them test all the trailer related fuses.
Posted 2013-08-26 11:19 AM (#154280 - in reply to #154118) Subject: RE: Lights only when brake or turn signal applied
Member
Posts: 22
Location: Bellevue, NE
I have no idea, Paul. I wouldn't know what a dummy fuse looks like. There were several that looked like that (square, black, enclosed, insides not visible). And others that were smaller but still square, but multi-colored (different amperage?). Most of the fuses in there were not the kind I'm used to seeing (thin, two blades, visible filament). I will probably just take it to the dealership. It has barely been over 30 days, so it shouldn't cost me anything. Hopefully.
Posted 2013-08-26 11:55 AM (#154281 - in reply to #154280) Subject: RE: Lights only when brake or turn signal applied
Elite Veteran
Posts: 807 Location: Tenn/Ala.
The black thing is a placeholder, not a fuse. There usually is a fuse in the glovebox packet with instructions on where to install it for trailer towing. May even be more than one.
PS- The fuses are colored, according to amperage ratings.
Posted 2013-08-26 6:21 PM (#154303 - in reply to #154118) Subject: RE: Lights only when brake or turn signal applied
Veteran
Posts: 203 Location: Lander WY
Cartidge fuse seem to be a genric term ... See link below perhaps that will help ?....................................................................................................................................https://www.google.com/search?q=dummy+fuse&hl=en-US&espv=1&tbm=isch&tbo=u&sboxchip=Images&source=univ&sa=X&ei=t-EbUv2TDYOsjALqnoHgBw&ved=0CCwQsAQ&biw=320&bih=461
Lights only when brake or turn signal applied
