Running Lights on Trailer Not Working When Towed by a 2011 Dodge Ram 2500
Question:
running lights on trailer not working, towed by 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 I checked the fuse and they are good. Would it be the relay switch for the trailer?
asked by: Larry J
Expert Reply:
I tried looking up relays that would be for a trailer on your 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 but I couldn't find anything in an online version of the owner's manual. If your copy of the manual shows relays then that would be a great place to go next if all of your fuses look good.
Should you have relays that are in working order then you will want to check the connectors on your Ram and your trailer to make sure that they are clean and free of debris.
If those look good then you will need to physically inspect the wiring on your truck or trailer. You can determine if the problem is on your Ram by using a Circuit Test # PTW2992 and testing the running light function on your connector. You can test your trailer lights by using the battery from your Ram and grounding the negative terminal while touching the positive terminal to the various pins on your trailer connector.
Regardless of which end it is on you will want to start off by checking your grounds to make sure that they are solid and connected to a clean, bare metal surface.
Next is the wiring itself. Look for any places where the wiring is bent, corroded, exposed, or damaged and replace it. You can use 16 Gauge Wire # 16-1-1 and Butt Connectors # DW05744-5 to replace any sections that need it.
If all of your grounds and wiring looks good then you will need to take your setup to a shop so that can physically inspect it.
Products Referenced in This Question
Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 16-14 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Blue - Qty 5
- Wiring
- Wire Connectors
- Butt Connectors
- 16-14 Gauge
- Deka
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Continue Researching
- Q&A: How to Make an Adapter to Go from Semi Truck 7-Way Round to RV Style 7-Way Blade on Trailer
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Recommended Gauge of Wiring for Trailer Lights
- Article: Trailer Lighting Requirements
- Q&A: Is There A Kit For Installing A 7-Way On A 2023 Subaru Forster Wilderness With A 4-Flat Plug?
- Q&A: Best Trailer Hitch Recommendation For a 2024 Toyota Highlander
- Q&A: How Many Amps Does the MaxxFan Deluxe Roof Vent w/ 12V Fan and Thermostat Draw?
- Q&A: When Wiring the MaxxFan Deluxe Can I USe 120 Volts or is it Just 12 Volts
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Brake Controller Installation on a Ford Super Duty Truck (2005-2007)
- Q&A: Parts Needed For Installing 4-Way Flat & 7-Way Blade Connectors On a 2023 Toyota Highlander
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)