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I have done some research but I always turn to CDC for professional opinions. Half my trailer lights went out and my safety chains sometimes spark when taking them on and off the hitch. Fuses don't look blown and trailer bulb is good. I assume this is a grounding issue. The ground connection to the bulb looks good. The ground has a dedicated wire to the plug. I cleaned the plug and still see sparks. Any advice thanks in advance.
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This is the plug. I have 4 marker lights, 1 light strip on the back, along with the tail lights. Attachment 482551
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If you have a tester check your plug located on your vehicle first. Is there a grounding wire attached to the tongue if not there should be ( I only ask cause mine came loose). Also check to see that the tail lamp on the trailer that is out is still grounded.
I would also check the trailer light connections with a tester on the side that went out. If there is a side marker check that as well.
it should be a pretty easy fix.
I would definitely check the grounds
YES!Quote:
Originally Posted by DockShootinJack
When you say half the lights went out, which ones? Running lights on one side, all lights on one side, running lights out but stop/turn works, etc.
chasing a bad ground can be a challenge
Take the nuts and washer off taillight that is not working. Clean area around bolt so you can see metal reattach.
If half the lights are working I don't think it is a ground. I think it is a broken or frayed hot wire somewhere touching the frame.
Richard and Beahears are right.
I just had another thought. In the old days they relied on the ball for the ground connection. Sparking chains means they are making a better connection than the ball and the ground wire. Check the truck side to see if a rodent did not chew it up and damage the ground plus the wire for the dead half.
Quote:
Originally Posted by beshears
My thoughts exactly as he has lights on one side so the ground is there, with the sparking of the chains he has a short some where on the side that is not working.
At each light there is a connector for power and a ground wire going to the trailer via tapped screw. And the main hardness going down the trailer frame on inside held on by zip ties or wire ties with screw. Good luck on your search! Remember to pull hard on every connection to check if the wire is rotted inside the jacket.
A complete new wiring harness is the best way to tackle it, if one wire has rotted and shorted you will be chasing the issue on others for the next few years and its not worth a ticket on your way home from fishing. It can be a parking lot job, as its just laying out the wires and connecting each light via the connectors or butt connector and shrink wrap. Its much easier to do with the boat off the trailer
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Problem should be solved. I pulled the tail light and found some of the connectors were loose. My lights are plug and play and the female end got a little wollered out. I crimped the female end a little bit to make the hole tighter and everything is working now. I bought a tester for my truck plug and it is working. If those connectors get loose again I'm gonna learn how to solder.
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Good deal, the tester will come in handy iffn you pull trailers often.
Glad you found problem. Also thanks for sharing fix.
As others have said, I'd check the ground wire. may need to remove it and clean it up with a wire brush/wire bit. I had the same trouble with my duck boat I built last year. Gringinged down to bare metal and no problems since. Is your boat home or is it down at the lake? I could come by and a take a look if you'd like.
See post # 13. Problem is fixed.:)