Troubleshooting Right Turn Signal Not Working on Trailer Taillights

Question

Question:

I noticed my passenger side directional not working, bulb looked good, but replaced it anyway, still no good. I looked further and it seems as though the middle lead looks broken at the bottom where I guess it would return to ground for the directional. The side markers work, brake light works and it lights when the lights are on just no directional. My question is, is this lead supposed to be seperated on the right light because it isnt on the left and should I just purchase the replacement right tail light 432200?

asked by: Peter M

0

Expert Reply:

First, disconnect the trailer from the tow vehicle so you can check the vehicle side connector. Using a circuit tester like part # PTW2993, test the functions of the connector; specifically check the right turn/brake, to make sure the signal is making it to the connector. If it is not working at the connector, there might be a fuse blown or missing in the power distribution box under the hood. Also, make sure both connectors are clean, and free of any dirt or corrosion.

This very well could be a ground problem. If so, correcting the bad ground or broken wire could solve the problem. If it is a wiring problem, and not a hardware problem, replacing the whole light will not help as the malfunction is in the wiring. Sometimes, trailer lights ground through the mounting studs. Make sure the connection point is free of rust and corrosion as that could cause a bad ground.

The driver side light should have a yellow and brown wire connected. The yellow wire goes in the right hole if looking at the back of the driver side light. Brown goes in the left hole (the lights are marked). The brown wire is the running lights. The yellow wire is left turn and brake light.

The passenger side light should have a green and brown wire connected. The brown wire is the running lights. The green wire is right turn and brake light.

I am including a link to a FAQ page on trailer wiring which will describe how to troubleshoot your trailer wiring.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

Joe H.

3/12/2024

I have led taillights my right turn not working every thing else works

Reply

Mike L.

3/14/2024

@JoeH Is power reaching the taillight? Is it showing up on the right turn signal pin on the trailer connector with the right turn signal activated? I'll link to an article that shows which pin to check....

Helpful Links

faq-wiring.aspx

Reply

Ron

6/9/2020

Getting no power on green wire from f150 to trailer hookup. Everything else works on right side except turn signal. Wire doesn’t seem to be broken in harness. It is a 4 pin hook up

Reply

Chris R.

6/12/2020

If you aren't getting any power on that circuit I'm thinking there's a blown fuse under the hood. In your copy of the owner's manual the fuse locations will be listed. Look for the one that's in charge of the trailer right turn/brake light circuit and check to make sure it's in good condition - replacing if needed.

Reply

D

7/1/2020

@Ron I’m currently having the same issue. (2002 GMC Yukon) No power from the green wire. Which is effecting the trailer right turn, and brake lights.

Reply

Steven S.

8/25/2021

@D likewise. Car right turn light works but I'm finding that bot right and left turn signals turn on the left trailer turn signals. Now what?

Reply

See All (4) Replies to Ron ∨

Answer 1

You will first want to check the fuses on your tow vehicle. Some vehicles could have fuses for operating the turn signals and brake lights of a towing package. You will want to check if they are installed and working properly. The next thing is to…

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Answer 2

Your brake lights and turn signals for each side are on one circuit. The left side turn signal and brake light is generally the yellow wire going into your trailer connector. The first thing to do is check the fuses on your tow vehicle. Next,…

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Answer 3

I wish there was a simple plug-in option for installing a 7-way on your 2015 Ford F-150 but there isn't at this time. Now if your trailer does not have brakes all you would need is the part #37185 as an adapter to convert the 4-way to a…

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Answer 4

The most likely cause for the turn signals not to work when the running lights are on with your trailer is a bad or weak ground. It's very possible that a weak ground connection can be just strong enough to allow sufficient current for some…

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Answer 5

This sounds like a ground problem on the right side. The turn signal not working makes sense because with the brake lights, there is a constant signal coming through which is enough to make the lights illuminate on both sides like they should. But…

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Answer 6

I attached a picture that shows the pin out diagram for the Pollak 5th Wheel / Gooseneck T-Connector with 7-Pole #PK11893-11932 that you referenced.

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Answer 7

For your 2017 Chevy Silverado 3500 the 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Hitch Wiring harness part #C56070 would be the correct fit as your truck uses the standard 7-way round connector that this uses/needs. It is possible the wire colors you are working with…

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Answer 8

Most trailer wiring problems are the result of a bad ground. What I would do is start with the connectors. Maker sure the connectors on both the trailer side and vehicle side are free of dirt and corrosion and that they are properly grounded. Next, I…

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Answer 9

It could be a tow package fuse on the vehicle. Use the owners manual to find the locations of fuses/relays related to the tow package wiring to check them and replace as needed. If the issue is not a fuse or relay then you can test the vehicle side…

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Answer 10

The first thing I would do is check the ground on the right tail light assembly. The ground may not be strong enough to carry the amperage.You will want to make sure the ground is attached to a clean metal surface or if the assembly grounds through…

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Answer 11

It sounds like you either have a blown fuse or a short on the right side turn light and brake light circuit. First, I recommend checking the trailer wire connector on the vehicle. You can use a circuit tester, like #PTW2993, to test that power is…

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Answer 12

To isolate where the problem is the first thing to check is the vehicle side trailer connector. Use a circuit tester such as #PTW2993 to test the pin for right turn/brake lights. If the brake signal function works but the turn signal doesn't then…

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Troubleshooting Right Turn Signal Not Working on Trailer Taillights

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