HOW TO diagnose trailer lights without a vehicle

This video is about HOW TO diagnose trailer lights without a vehicle

[@benkanobe7500]

This is THE most helpful "teach a man to fish" (as compared to "give a man a fish") trailer wiring video on KZbin. Thank you! I will always remember the tricks you show us here about which is ground and how to know left from right. *Perfect*

[@zachsheffield1325]

This is the best video I’ve seen on this!! If only I could Diagnose the vehicle and repair the problem!

[@LordoftheCats]

Finally! I know how to do this without the usual spark test. LOL Thanks. I would like to see a vid on the round connectors. I'd like to see a vid on the factory connectors, e.g. Ford truck wiring harness connection at the rear of the chassis.

[@CapnDanTreasures]

Hey Dan, Great name... your video was very informative, thanks for taking time from your day to help us all out. I plan to go through my trailer wiring tomorrow as I have side marker lights that aren't working properly, I'm sure that I will be able to get them going now. Thanks again, Dan

[@readplanet23]

Great video Dan. Your in-depth explanation of 4-wire (plus 5-wire) flat trailer wiring was easy to understand. Keep up the great videos. Have A Good Day! 🛻🚤🏖️

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Thank you!

[@haroldcoots8433]

Thank you for this video. I will probably be replaying it several times to review.

[@JamesBrown-dw8pe]

very helpful. opening a trailer repair shop in Dallas. .will be watching all your videos. Great lessons. watched 1 and 2 on trailer wiring.

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Awesome, thank you!

[@tonylou1234]

Good video. Followed your instructions and was able to diagnose my problem. Thanks for making it easy to understand.

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Im glad I was able to help! Please subscribe if you haven't already.

[@robantonelli5331]

Great video it helped me , my trailer lights do not come on, nor do my blinkers, They did work but maybe it’s a bad ground like you said . 👍

[@jeffmyers4491]

Excellent video young buck. Made my day much easier in trouble shooting my trailer.

[@MikeSmith-nu9wt]

A long time ago , I had a boat trailer the lights wouldn't work till I backed it in the water , crazy ground I think it was , I ran it for two years that way, we were always loading after dark , lo and behold they would work , but didn't in the daylight on the way there ..😆

[@SHon-jr8ke]

Thank you. Great clear video

[@joecnc3341]

Liked-Subscribed-Notified - I liked the mnemonic so much ("White/Ground/Shielded, Brown-Turn Signal, Yellow Line - LHS, Green Grass- RHS"

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Thank you!

[@waynesorensen7071]

thank you for this awesome video, it really helped! my problem was an apparent issue with my yellow side running light on the taillight. . i powered up the trailer using your system and noticed a little spark when i disconnected that light, jumping from the two mounting studs to the plate. that meant i had power to the light. rust and paint on the mounting plate prevented a good ground. Easy fix thanks to you!

[@robletto841]

I tested my boat trailer!! Great job, thanks

[@num1booger]

Thank you sir for this video, never have pulled a trailer before, just bought a 5x8 enclosed cargo trailer, was wanting to know how to test the trailer lights, and now i know. further research, i have a tundra that has the amber turn lights, i just ordered that converter to be able to have turn signals on trailer, here's hoping i can make it work

[@robbilbrey9893]

Great video. It seems everyone likes to make it more complicated than it really is. You are very good at explaining things.

[@jasonkanterman7606]

I watched your KZbin video on this thank you very much it worked just as you stated and I was able to make my repairs on my trailer wiring after knowing what was not working. thanks again great video

[@robertdunn7021]

very good & simple thanks

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Thanks and welcome

[@Dano896]

Thanks was very helpful my 97 expedition has some trailer wire issues I think… I will find out after this separate test.

[@moiband]

Thanks man this was great 👍 really appreciate it super straight forward.

[@frankleija7509]

Well and easily explained, great job!

[@wrightjaw]

Awesome Video, very informative.

[@NoName-be5ir]

left right..how about driver or passenger side,, but thats a first time ive heard green on ditch and yellow on yellow street side.. great visual to remember. thanks for the info...

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Either way lol

[@NoName-be5ir]

@@therapawayhomestead5464 edited my orginal comment , your way is alot easier to remember.. lol...last few other ones ive watch keep saying left and right which is confusing for someone who dosent dot it offten.. thanks again

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

@@NoName-be5ir not a problem!! Glad I could help! Please sub if you haven’t already

[@NoName-be5ir]

@@therapawayhomestead5464 helped big time, dont have to watch anymore video on lights. im redoing my 16ft tralier , ive got all the wood off and wire brushed and presure washed ,its down to just the frame and the wires are just hanging every where. so tommorow is paint and new wiring and hopefully get the floor in too. and yes sir subcribed . thanks again have a good one

[@ravens101100]

Thanks for this big help

[@glennwilbur2546]

Excellent explanation and demonstration.

[@timhart2291]

Very informative video. Thanks.

[@maj198]

Very helpful.

[@brianrichards5828]

Thanks. Yes. Questions...1. Should I use waterproof wire nuts? 2. Do I have to have ground wires on all areas of the trailer lights then route them to one hub then to the tongue ground? I'm obviously not a wiring guy.

[@jeffweaver955]

Awesome man!

[@jkl7097]

Great video. Followed your steps and not sure if I have a bad ground or not. Tail light don't turn on when I test the brown but they do turn on when I test the green and/or yellow individually. I can send you a video if you like. Thanks, James

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

More than likely you have a problem with the brown wire.

[@jkl7097]

@@therapawayhomestead5464 Thanks. I'll check out the brown wire tomorrow. Hopefully I find the issue.

[@dougmead7669]

Outstanding video! I've been having intermittent issues with my trailer side lights. I haven't troubleshooted using your techniques on the trailer yet. I believe it is on the truck side of the cannon plug. When I drive down the road, they go on and off randomly. Specifically, I noticed when I'm exiting the interstate, going down the ramp, they tend to come on. I have the 7 pin cannon plug. Its a Tracker trailer, and a 2005 Toyota Tacoma if that helps. Any thoughts anyone?? Thanks!!

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Thank you! It sounds like a grounding problem on the trailer or corrosion in the cannon plug.

[@explorateurdesairs]

Very Useful , thanks

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Glad it was helpful! Please subscribe if you haven't already.

[@GeorgeAlexa]

Wow, you did an excellent job explaining. I purchased a Kuat Piston Pro X bike rack that has rear lighting. I got fast busy and was trying to find out if it was the LED lights on the bike rack or bad wiring from my car. The dealer put in the after-market wiring some five to eight years ago. I called him, and though I didn't get a quote, I know if he fixes it, it will be expensive. If the bike rack is okay, would you happen to have a video of what I need to do with the car wiring?

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

I do not at this time but I’ll try make one soon! Quick thing to check would be the fuses in the vehicle. There are usually separate trailer light fuses. Hope that helps! Please sub if you haven’t already😄

[@jamestrent8468]

I have a 5x8 flat utility trailer and I’m having light issues on it. When I plug in the trailer light plug to my truck the lights all come on but if I turn on the hazard lights or blinkers they don’t work on the trailer but work on my truck. I have a small trailer light tester that is used to test out the trailer wiring on my truck and they are good. Any help work be appreciated. Thank You

[@cesarserrano1369]

I have a problem about how to wiring my Toyota hilux truck. I can't connect the break light since my pick up has a separate circuit for break lights. Can you support me with that?

[@billgraham5609]

appreciate it just bought a used john boat and only the passenger turn signal was working

[@williamwomack3153]

Very helpful

[@montanatacticalhomesteader6623]

Thanks!

[@denniskemnitz3771]

Good explanation

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Thank you!! Please subscribe if you haven’t already.

[@tonydize3944]

You're awesome 😎

[@mralpinebob]

Hello there quick question i have tried two sets of tail lights on my boat trailer everthing works great except the clearance lights right one works left one won’t thanks alot

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Check for 12v power on the brown wire and make sure you have a good ground

[@hatteraslabuf]

What happens if you have your right turn signal, and left turn signal working. But, all of your running lights (11 of them) are out? Does that rule out a grounding issue?

[@brich2929]

That means there's a short in the brown wire

[@titchglover2601]

Thanks this was great help. my Green and Yellow are opposite however they do work properly at the vehicle, and trailer. I have just one dim working brake light on my trailer, no running lights or signals. some of the prongs on the trailer appear to have small like splits in them, also seems to fit loosely. Thinking I will change the prongs on the trailer and see if that works. Does the ground work through the 2'' tow ball to the trailer tung? I cleaned them both well, maybe I wasted my time there? Thanks again

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

It is not supposed to ground through the ball. Your on the right track replacing the connector.

[@tomb1245]

how do I check the plug at van end for power etc.?

[@juansalcedo416]

? My R-H side trail light has turn signal and brake light, but has no tail light , what do you advise thanks.

[@tomb1245]

how do I test the van side ? Thanks

[@TheBobbyb1967]

This is how I remember the colors . BROWN is running, ups trucks are always running around. Green is right it has an R in it. Yellow is left it has an E in it same as yellow does.

[@ibdribbles7128]

Guess I could run jumper cables as far as I can and then use my alligator clips to test

[@thomasgray8589]

Ty learned alot

[@davesmith5425]

Great simple explanation

[@tevman69]

I should’ve looked up this video three hours ago.

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Glad I could help!

[@STBRetired1]

gReen wire for Right side. yeLLow wire for Left side.

[@mikel7981]

After doing this method, I think I have multiple issues going on that were making it hard for me to diagnose. I think I may have a problem with the plug on my truck related to the running lights and also to the brown wire on my right side. When I hook it to the battery, free of the truck, the left running lights will come on, but not the right. All the turn signals and brake lights work on both sides as well when running from the truck, but neither side of the running lights will. Trailers are so frustrating and I have one where all the wires are hidden inside the frame! Any tips on how you can easily diagnose were the short is without pulling out wires you can't see? LOL! I've checked the relays and the fuses too and the wiring looks good around the 7 blade as do the pins, but that pin is not lighting up my test light or showing voltage on the multimeter.

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Sounds like you are on the rite track. Problem with the right brown wire.

[@Nursekimberly]

Can this be tested with a 9v battery or a battery attached to the car. Show the battery connected to the wires

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

I would use a 12v battery

[@itssammiesakran]

I had some rewiring done on my boat trailer yesterday. Before I dropped the trailer off, my forward wheel well lights would blink with each corresponding turn signal. Now they no longer blink. Are they supposed to or not because I'm getting conflicting answers

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

No they should not be blinking.

[@warrenlouisiana2277]

But green wire has no current in it for the brakes or blinker , so is the plug bad

[@zoukiller360tv5]

Great video!! you got a sub from me look forward to seeing the other thing you make this has helped!!!

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Thank you for the Sub!! I have been posting a lot more videos recently.

[@aaronguerrero6960]

Can this be don't with a 6v battery

[@Sandbridgeman1]

I have a to replace the 5 wire 4 pin connector on my trailer all i can find is a 4wire 4 pin. I now have turn signals and break lights but no running lights ??? Plz help

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

If the trailer has 2 brown wires you can connect them to the single brown wire on your trailer plug.

[@yoelroque3950]

Hi , I have questions I’m building a DIY wood camper from Bottom up I lay out new 4flat pin harness cable & I put peace’s of metal in each place I set my lights where I’m stuck now is that my lights have black & red wire but I just want the running lights to be on only bc is going to be in top of a trailer how do I wire it together

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. in a wood structor you will need to run a ground wire all the way from the vehicle plug to the tail lights. thank you for the comment and please subscribe if you haven't already.

[@yoelroque3950]

I replay ur video & I saw I did not run the ground cable up but now I have lights running thank u for sharing the video I was able to figure my problem

[@bradleydavidgood]

Why are there two brown wires to one post?

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

One brown wire runs down each side of the trailer for the running lights.

[@ronlitz9055]

Green , starboard.

[@warrenlouisiana2277]

Do 1 on the plug?

[@alanthompson723]

Can I use a battery charger and if so what amps to turn it on?

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

I would not recommend.

[@alanthompson723]

@@therapawayhomestead5464 it worked perfectly on 2 amp. Too late done fixed it

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

@alanthompson723 good to know!

[@billferriell1851]

All lights work on trailer except for Middle marker light

[@donaldduda4739]

What’s the difference between a turn signal and blinker

[@dbf2678]

I think he meant turn signal and brake lights.

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Yes! Thank you for helping Clarify

[@brucer1220]

Was it me or did I not hear about brakes ?

[@aceboogiecrappieking1]

i did that and they work but when i plug it up to my truck it don't work

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Most likely a truck problem. If none of them work it’s most likely a ground issue at the truck I would check the truck plug to make sure it is getting good connection

[@aceboogiecrappieking1]

@@therapawayhomestead5464 thanks

[@RodneyW5RFY_WRJG782]

I've always thought Green has an "R" for right. Yellow has an "L" for left. Grass on your right....had to think about that one for a minute.

[@csrboltfan2643]

Wait. The YELLOW and GREEN are for my turn signal AND blinker ??? Ya wanna re-phrase that?

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Sorry I misspoke. Clearly you know what I meant

[@csrboltfan2643]

@@therapawayhomestead5464 Yes, clearly I know what you meant, and clearly you SHOULD HAVE known I was making light of your flub. Lighten up, dude. I was laughing when I wrote that.

[@bammbamm12]

You said diagnose without a vehicle. Can you diagnose without a trailer?

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Hard to diag a trailer with out a trailer

[@bammbamm12]

@@therapawayhomestead5464 - that's true - but irrelevant - we're talking about lights and electricity, which only need a power source.

[@samuelsmith5773]

Good, basic how-to video. Too bad manufacturers don’t follow a SINGLE color coding. White, here, was HOT, not COMMON as found elsewhere.

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

12 volt trailer wiring should always fallow this color code.

[@billhenry7833]

How in fuck do you fix?

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Not sure I understand the question

[@CP-kb1du]

Useless Video .... just connect the wires to the vehicle then test ...

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

It’s a great way to test if your problem is in the trailer or in the vehicle.

[@UNKNOWNUnknown-hc6tp]

How do you test turn signals. My left turn signal won't flash on trailer. i have an led hook up on truck for each male hook up from 4 flat on trailer, and they are all red, but my left turn signal wont flash. Why don't you come over and help me fix. 😁

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

The truck is what makes it flash.

[@UNKNOWNUnknown-hc6tp]

@@therapawayhomestead5464 Hey thanks for your reply. the truck turn signal works, but the trailer signal doesn't

[@UNKNOWNUnknown-hc6tp]

@@therapawayhomestead5464 Could a relay be the problem.

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Do the brake lights work on the trailer?

[@UNKNOWNUnknown-hc6tp]

@@therapawayhomestead5464 yes

[@steve8189]

Thank you. Based on your advice I used your technique and discovered 3 issues with my trailer and vehicle. I am 100% operational. Keep up the videos.

[@morriswest7166]

Great job explaining this so even an idiot like me can't get it wrong. Thanks.

[@robertswanson4070]

How about the need to replace 4 pin connectors? Can you clean/grind them to shiny brass or just replace? Thanks

[@hankhamadi3410]

Nice and very helpful video.my trailer connector has 5 wires and 4 pins and its bad.im looking for a similar one but can't find any.all I found is 4 wires.so now how do I connect 5 wires,to 4 wires connector?

[@lambda4931]

Can I use a battery charger instead of a battery to perform the tests?

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

If your battery charger puts out a constant 12volts you can.

[@fanaticforager6610]

Just channel surfing 🏄🏽‍♂️ for a 7-pin, though Cheers 🍻 for the intro, from 📍🦘😉🤙🏼 11:27

[@esuttonjr]

Another way to remember the colors is yelLow = Left and gReen = Right. I like your way better.

[@philwalden6166]

An awesome & excellent presentation on how to determine trailer light issues. Thank you sincerely for sharing this video.

[@ludwig-vi6pi]

Dan question I just rewired my boat trailer and I get all my lights but my running lights. The brown wire I have all the marker running lights hooked up to. Do I ground one of the two wires from my marker lights or do I wire it to the side Trailer lights they are on for that side of the trailer? So for instance green side of the trailer do I wire green and brown to the maker light or brown and the other wire to ground? Thanks in advance. Stephan

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

One wire goes to the brown and the other is ground

[@curtisford1015]

Hey I’m working on round plug do you have a video out

[@KeithTeucke-c9e]

Thanks for the post. Just used your method and discovered that all I needed was a common ground. Trailer is ready for the road!

[@BradM766]

My running lights work when hooked to the vehicle, but no brakes or turn signals. I’m not sure where to start.

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Start by using a meter or a test light to see if you have power on the yellow and green wires at the lights

[@erikregalado7173]

Where is the other vedios on trailer proplem fixes

[@Steve-iu9bd]

Great video! To the guy who said it was a useless video why exactly did you watch the video at all? I appreciate the information. It's not always easy to get to a trailer without moving stuff.

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Thank you for the comment! It’s also very useful to separate the vehicle from the trailer to diagnose

[@Steve-iu9bd]

Absolutely! Great information for sure.

[@lexymalinowski1970]

Do to Green Bean or ground I don't see how Antonio lights it should be green Directional being like a easy to see yellow comparison to gold you can also printed R and L

[@dmsentertainmentwithmikean1088]

Thank you!! Helps a lot!!

[@kevinprescott1992]

That was really helpful diagnostic good job

[@mikeklecker5462]

This is a dumb question but do you remove the red or hot connector to the battery before moving the red connector to the next pin so as to not arch? I just purchased the Maddox test leads and I’m going to try checking my lights on my utility trailer

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Yes I would recommend disconnecting power

[@billyk8161]

Great video and I learned so much. Super helpful! thanks a million!

[@humpty777]

This is a great video. It explains how to for someone who knows nothing about trailer wiring.

[@jaywalls4913]

Wow. What a great video. Thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@1stinsonguy]

Dan, howdy from Texas. You are a really good teacher. Thanks for spending your time with this. I found you just at the right time to complete my wiring project.

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Thank you!

[@seatime674]

​​@@therapawayhomestead5464I have a Jet Ski trailer and the lights aren't working but I'm testing it as it's in storage does it have to be literally sitting on the car hitch ball to make ground for the lights to work

[@hotchihuahua1546]

Excellent video and you sir are a good teacher ! 👍

[@therapawayhomestead5464]

Thank you!

[@carolemcconnell4651]

Good video thanks...