Right side running light problem...

[kayakrguy]

Hi folks,

Right now, feel stupid and frustrated at the same time.

Problem: left side running lights don't work--at either the amber front or rear brake lights. The flasher, turn signal and brake light work. So, yellow wire functions seem fine. It is the brown wire that seems to be the problem...

I can't find any obvious problem with the wire or connections--checked those.

Running lights work fine on the right side of car-trailer.
All left side running lights on car work fine.

Suggestions, short of hari kari are needed, appreciated, welcome

Thanks, Jim

[Podunkfla]

For tracing down things like that I generally use an "ice pick" tester... you know, one of those simple things that looks like a screwdriver with a light in the handle? Just clip the lead to a good ground and start at the front plug to the tow vehicle sticking the point into your brown wire. At some point along the way it won't light up and you should be able to find the short.

[WarPony]

Just clip the lead to a good ground and start ............. sticking the point into your brown wire.

Ehhhhhhh................ I don't know if I would trace it like that. Poking holes in the wire insulation will let moisture in and cause more problems down the road. Maybe just running a new wire would be better.

Jeff

[Podunkfla]

Just clip the lead to a good ground and start ............. sticking the point into your brown wire.

Ehhhhhhh................ I don't know if I would trace it like that. Poking holes in the wire insulation will let moisture in and cause more problems down the road. Maybe just running a new wire would be better.

Jeff

True... Prolly best to tape them up or run new wire... but I've never had a problem since the hole is so small and the vinyl seems to close back up. Of course, after tracing down the short, you can replace the wire... If it was exposed to the weather I would.

[kayakrguy]

I went back and began testing....the car's wiring harness tested out fine. I DID find part of brown wire on the left side wire that had some chafe nicks. I cut that secion out, spliced in a new piece. No dice. Tested light bulb from left side into right side...bulb ok....

Soooo...I concluded that the problem had to be inside the wiring harness itself. I have a spare along with all new wire. I connected my spare harness to the ground on tongue....ran wire alongside trailer to left rear brake light, took the wire nuts off, connected the new wire, connected harness to car and VOILA! I have running lights!

Thanks guys,

Jim