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Post by organize4u on Aug 25, 2012 18:44:08 GMT -5
I have seen mention of a wiring diagram; can anyone tell me where I can find that info. We are getting ready to work the electrical problems. It seems that the lights work until we turn the car lights on and then nothing works. The market lights do not work either.
Ordered new marker lights and new tail lights (school bus style)
Thanks
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vikx
3K Post Member
Posts: 3,556
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Post by vikx on Aug 26, 2012 1:53:31 GMT -5
First thing: GROUND it again, with a new wire and clean bolt to the frame. That is your most important wire. Make sure the ground is wired to the tow vehicle via the plug/receptacle. Don't rely on the ball to make a good Ground.
Consider grounding the skin to the frame if the lights are relying on the skin as ground.
Most trailers use green for clearance and tail lights. Brown is Right Turn and Red is Left Turn. Not always the case, but worth a try...
All light sockets need to be cleaned, and the bulbs. I use a small Dremel brush. Metal to metal contact makes for good bulb grounds. Wiggle the wires to be sure they aren't hung up on the metal. Also check the screw that grounds the light base to the skin.
Keep us posted on how things go.
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Post by organize4u on Aug 26, 2012 15:24:35 GMT -5
We cleaned up the ground wire and connection as suggested. We still have the following problems:
Lights work when breaking When using left and right blinkers, both lights blink When we turn the car lights on, nothing works
Can't do much more today as my sweetheart hurt his knee. But we will keep trying. Still would like to see a wiring diagram.
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vikx
3K Post Member
Posts: 3,556
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Post by vikx on Aug 27, 2012 2:33:58 GMT -5
You did good! But, there is a connection problem...
Be absolutely sure your ground wires are at the same pole on the connectors.
I'm guessing you are using a 4 way flat color code. Sometimes, you need to wire per function rather than color... If your vehicle has a 7 way receptacle, it won't work with the 4 way color code... (many vintage trailers use the 7 way code)
So... determine which pole from the tow vehicle receptacle runs the tail lights. Determine which wire on the trailer runs the tail lights on "dim". (bright would be stops or turns) Label the trailer wire TM.
With the Ground wire connected, hook the single TM wire to the trailer plug. Connect to your vehicle receptacle and see if the trailer tails and running lights work. If nothing works, you've got the wrong connection between vehicle and trailer and/or the Ground is not connected on one or the other. Repeat until you get just the tails and clearance lights working.
NOTE: some trailers use two wires to run clearance and tails, so concentrate on the tail lights first.
Repeat the above for the Right Turn and Left Turn. When 12 volt power is applied to the Right or Left Turn trailer wire, only that light will glow. It should be brighter than the tail light.
I hope this helps. Take your time and do it one wire at a time. PM me for more info on the 4 way flat/7 way differences. Always want to help.
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