Tail, running, clearance lights not working

[dufferin]

Hi,
my running clearance and tail lights don't work.
I went today for trailer inspection and when we tried to light up those lights from the TV... nothing.
So the plug from TV was tested and there is power.
The flash and brakes lights works fine.
I opened the 7ways box inside the trailer to see how was the wiring and everything is clean and tight.
From the manual the green wire powered the lights I am looking for.
Any idea of what could it be?

[remcolent]

put 12 volt on the green wire inside the 7 way box.
If lights work test if there is 12 volt on the green pin on the conector that is on the trailer
When lights are working but no 12 volt on the pin there is a fault in the cable

[CanoeStream]

On my Argosy I had to replace the female plug on the end of the trailer umbilical to the modern 7-pin. Had a wire come loose in there once and cause a similar problem. Check that too.

[dufferin]

can I take 12V directly from a battery

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by dufferin

can I take 12V directly from a battery

Yes, you can take 12v directly from the charge line running to the trailer battery.

[dufferin]

I checked from the plug and nothing is loose.
Is there any fuse for those lights. From the converter fuses panel I don't see any green wire coming so I do assume it's without but not sure.
As it's a serial circuit does a dead bulb mae the circuit open.
BTW I bad about electrical, usually I don't get nothing.

[overlander63]

It could be the umbilical cable that runs between the tow vehicle and the coach, where it plugs in to the trailer itself.

[05ModPod]

START with the ground - on the trailer usually up on the A-frame - that can shut all your lights down real quick.

[steelbird312]

Dufferin,
Check to make sure the ground connection on the trailer is good using a continuity check. To do this, touch one of the wires to the ground connection, and the other wire to a bare spot on the frame. IF all this is ok, then

Go to the autoparts store-buy a 12 volt test light that looks like an ice pick.
Then, clipping the alligator clip to a KNOWN good ground, touch each connector on the truck connector with the pick, and they should light up, if the items are activated (running lights, turn signals, brakes, etc) After insuring these all work, then plugg up the trailer, and, very carefully, stick the pick through the individual wires insulation, insuring the connector is good.

If both of these checks are all good, then you have a cut in the wiring between the front of the trailer, and the items the wires go to.

[dufferin]

it is pouring rain in Nova Scotia today so I didn't really have the mood to spend too much time outside. Though I checked between two showers all the light and one ground wire is unplug. It looked in place but it's not. That's why I never notied it so far. I didn't dig enough. So it must be that. I'll check later to see if it comes from here. But sounds it's that.
But again I am not a fish and I have no taste to get out now.
thank for the advices...
I'll let you know.

[dufferin]

ok did check and it works. The problem is solved. Good. Not fix yet but at least I know where it is.
thanks for the help.

[05ModPod]

Rivettes Rock - hmmm was that a girl who suggested the Ground first - OMG where is Michelle when you need her......

Okay you were all just lettin my held swell right????

glad you solved your problem...out east the invisible corrosion can be a mystery

[Smokin Camel]

I thought I had some bad ones. When I popped off the caps and tested the contact, I got nothing. I used burnisher to clean the the contacts (after removing the bulbs) and tested again, I got power.

I then checked all of the running lights. Some were fine, some were questionable. My solution was to drill them all out and replace them with LED lights. They all work and are sealed. I still put a bead of marine sealant around the top and sides to shed water away from the contact wire. I left the bottom unsealed.

Wow do the LED's stand out. I am very happy with them. I will try to rmember to photgraph them tomorrow when I put the camel away. I have to put the second axel on in the morning.

Look into LED replacements, unless you are doing a restoration. I am doing a renovation so switching to something I regard as better (or different) is a go for me. Needless to say I am very happy with the LED's!

[Smokin Camel]

These were shot under an open skylight in mid afternoon. At night they really stand out.

[steelbird312]

I am in your neck of the woods, beleive it or not. We are in St. Andrews tonight and tomorrow night, then a trek towards New Foundland, will be there until Sept or so. Plan on passing through Nova Scotia, and if time allows, will stop around Digby for some of those wonderful scallops!