Trailer electrical problems

[KsPete]

I'd appreciate some help. I can't seem to figure out how to get my trailer lights to work right. I installed new lights and wiring on an old trailer and wired in a 4-pole flat plug on my Chevy Lumina. The problem is that the tail and turn signals work fine on the trailer until I turn on the head/tail lights. Then, when I turn on the turn signals, both side blink and when I step on the brakes, the trailer lights go dark. I've checked and rechecked the ground wire on the trailer, so it's good. I'm pretty sure the problem is at the car. I have a magnetic trailer light kit and it does the some thing.

Any suggestions before I rip it all out and redo it?

 

[hoytvectrix]

Re: Trailer electrical problems

have you checked the ground on the car side?

 

[109jb]

Re: Trailer electrical problems

How did you wire the Lumina?? Did you splice wires or did you buy a kit that just plugs into the vehicle harness?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Trailer electrical problems

I had freaky problems with my 1997 Chev Tahoe's trailer lights and it turns out the car's wirig harness was wrong; there is a white wire that was assumed to be a ground wire that was actually an extra braking light wire, so when it was grounded, it caused a wierd short when the lights were on and you hit the brake petal.

 

[KsPete]

Re: Trailer electrical problems

I spliced it into tail light wiring. I didn't see a plug I could use, but I'll check a little closer. I haven't checked the vehicle ground yet, but I will.

Home Cookin', thanks for the tip on the white wire, I'll have to check that out, too. Thanks for the quick replies.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Trailer electrical problems

There should be a plug in the harness under the back of the car where you can connect a trailer light T connector..Most every GM vehicle i have wired has them.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trailer electrical problems

I've checked and rechecked the ground wire on the trailer, so it's good.
I haven't checked the vehicle ground yet, but I will.

Ayuh,... Once to connect the trailer Ground to the tow unit Ground,...
I'm bettin' everything will work just Fine...

Hook your jumper cables between the 2(ground to ground), 'n you'll see....