exterior running lights, 56 cloud

[nu2argosy]

Hi, I am hoping that someone will be able to quide me through the restoration of my running lights.When my 56 flying cloud is plugged into my tow vehicle I am getting power , though it is very weak.There is one hot wire on the curb side rear.I changed my pigtails to a single contact type and installed 12v bulbs.When I hook them up, and right flash, it works, when I left flash, both sides, flash.When I contact the old black with the hot wire, I interupt the flow and all lights go out.I wired my trailer plug as per, the article on the other 56 cloud in the airstream resto article.I am planning a long journey in the middle of July, my 13 yr. old son and I are going to see some of the world.All info would be greatly appreciated.Thanks, Ray

[goransons]

Ran into similiar issues on our 66, sounds like you could potentially have a bad ground. I'd make sure that the ground wire from your tow vehicle is really clean at the plug, but also where it attachs to the trailer. I had the same exact works on one side, double flashes the other, thought I had a short, then happened to run an extra ground pigtail and all lights were bright and no weird crossovers.

[nu2argosy]

Thanks Scott and Megan, my next step is to remove my pressure tank, I hate the thought, and check the junction for bad grounding or anything else that could be a problem.I will keep you posted, and your reply is very much appreciated.Ray

[drag'nwagon]

Ray,

If you are going to pull the tank to gain access to the "Blue Bundle" of wires, you might consider a quick trip to radio shack and buy a terminal strip. You can then run a proper ground and have serviceable connections for the future. A terminal strip will cost you a couple bucks and really won't take any longer to install than removing the electrical tapefrom the bundle and then rewrapping with tape.

[nu2argosy]

Hi Dave, do I still have to pull the tank if I install the strip, and how and where do I hook this strip up?Thanks Dave.Ray

[Larry in MO]

While you're at the Radio Shack buy a cheap test light. Don't get trapped into believing that your wire color is accurate. It might have been changed over the years.

I second the motion on the bad ground.

[drag'nwagon]

Originally Posted by nu2argosy

Hi Dave, do I still have to pull the tank if I install the strip, and how and where do I hook this strip up?Thanks Dave.Ray

Ray this is the blue bundle behind the tank.

[drag'nwagon]

Originally Posted by nu2argosy

Hi Dave, do I still have to pull the tank if I install the strip, and how and where do I hook this strip up?Thanks Dave.Ray

This is terminal strip.

[drag'nwagon]

Ray,

you will attach the correct wire from the "blue bundle" on one side of the strip and the corresponding color from the "umbillical" cord on the other. Since the blue bundle of wires is unmarked you will have to find out which wire is which light by using a 12v battery or 12v battery charger to light each wire up and then you can mark them.

A few years from now when you have to replace the umbillical cord you will happy that you did this now, not to mention that it is safer and much more serviceable than a bundle of tapped up mess.