no running lights

[dougnjano]

SO FRUSTRATED!!: We have a '62 globetrotter and a 2003 Sprinter van. We have towed successfully for several years but haven't used the trailer for a year.
We have cleaned all wires and sockets, tested the tv and the trailer with a battery and with an idiot light. There is continuity in all pigtail wires, and all lights and turn signals work when tested from the block but when we connect the running lights don't work. The umbilical and plug are new.
We are trying to leave soon-can anyone suggest a possible solution to this problem?

[overlander63]

It's possible the circuit board in the Sprinter has failed.

[dougnjano]

The running lights on the Sprinter work, just not on the AS when connected-could this still be a Sprinter problem?

[overlander63]

IIRC, there is a circuit board in the van that operates the trailer lights.

[dougnjano]

we tested the pins on the plug with the idiot light and they all worked but I will check the circuit board tomorrow thanks

[arodriguez60]

Are your othe lights working? Do they work correctly? What I'm thinking is a possible bad ground.I worked as a electrical automotive tech for 15 years and the most common problem on dc electrical was the ground.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by arodriguez60

Are your othe lights working? Do they work correctly? What I'm thinking is a possible bad ground.I worked as a electrical automotive tech for 15 years and the most common problem on dc electrical was the ground.

A quick check for that would be to temporarily connect a wire from the trailer tongue to the frame of the truck. If everything works, it's a bad ground.

[dougnjano]

thanks we'll try that in the am!!

[Maryw164]

We had problems with ours on the trip we are on right now. It turned out to be a bad/loose (7 blade side connector) plug on the trailer in front where the wiring plugs into the trailer from the TV. It being almost 40 years old was just warn out I guess. For now we taped it to better secure it until we can get home and replace it. Got a new one at Walmart to install.

Mary

[dougnjano]

yes but all of that is brand new-we even bought another new one yesterday-still no fix. we'll look at the truck circuit today and see if that's it

[dougnjano]

Terry's trick worked-it is a bad ground!

[dougnjano]

how do we fix a bad ground?

[arodriguez60]

Check to see where the white wire from the 7 pin connecter goes on the TT. clean the connection (sandpaper , knife your test light whatever) where it is connected could also be loose. On some trailers I've seen the ground right at the tongue.

[dougnjano]

I just want to thank all of you who took the time to post and help us with our wiring problem-we are all fixed and ready to roll-thanks a million-you all are the greatest!!!