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70sHangover · 02-21-2011, 10:32 AM

Our 76 Safari is parked in the backyard not hooked to a vehicle but trailer battery connected. After some rain (rare here in the So Cal desert), our son told us in the middle of the night that one of the trailer's brake lights was on! We are wondering if there is a short. My husband disconnected the battery so the light would not have power and we are waiting to see if "drying out" solves the problem. Any other possibilities?

tpi · 02-21-2011, 10:38 AM

I think its a short between the 12 volt wire and the wire to that turn light. Could be in the umbilical cord or even the plug.

HowieE · 02-21-2011, 10:47 AM

Yes the only place where 12 volts and the tail light system are close together is in the umbilical cord. First open the male plug, if it is a standard 7 pin plug, and check for connection between the 12 volt line and the right parking light wire. Looking at the back of the plug while it is your hand the 12 volt connection will be at 11 o clock and the right tail light will be at 9 o clock.

If this is not the problem there may be a short in the umbilical cord itself, not uncommon with Older rigs. My cord had a nick in the outer jacket and water got in and opened the brake line connection through corrosion. Replace the cord.

wasagachris · 02-21-2011, 10:51 AM

Howie 70's units umbilicals are wired differently. The 12VDC + charge line is on the center pin and as seen from inside (the back of the connector) right turn is at 2:00 and left turn is at 6:00.

tpi · 02-21-2011, 10:54 AM

One troubleshooting tactic that can be helpful-

Since we're zeroing in the cord, hookup the battery again, have someone look at the light from the rear while you wiggle the cord and plug. See if you can get the light to flicker or go on or off.

70sHangover · 02-22-2011, 05:53 PM

We wiggled the cord and the light flickered, but did not go off. Next we went inside the trailer and turned on interior lights to look at a project inside, then turned off all interior lights and went outside again and the brake light was off! We will continue to look for shorts. Meantime, thanks to all who replied for the suggestions.