Directionals Won't Work

[Chuck]

I started asking the question in the general forum, but noticed that this might be the more appropriate spot.

I wanted to replace my Harbor Freight trailer's tail lights with these:

http://www.etrailer.com/p-ST51RB.htm

They're supposed to be 3 function lights, but here's what they're doing.

Brake lights work fine.
They work fine as tail lights.
The directionals work when the headlights are off.
The lights just stay lit when the headlights are on. That is, they don't blink.

There are two wires going to the tail lights. The old tail lights had 3 wires (2 black, 1 red). The new lights have 2 wires, and the light is supposed to be grounded through the pedestal.

I connected yellow wire to red and brown to black on the left side. On the right I connected green to red and brown to black.

Did I buy the wrong light? Did I wire it wrong? Help!! I'm supposed to camp this weekend!

[Ageless]

Those are meant for running light/ turn signal only, You need 3 wires; (1) for taillight, (1) for directional and (1) for brake.

Those lamps when you have headlights on; already have that element lit, so applying another 12V (turn signals) have no affect

[AZSpyder]

I'm not sure what you used to have but but most trailer tail lights only need two wires, not counting a possible ground wire. 1 wire for brake/signal and the other for tail light. As you stated these ground through the mounting stud.

From what you are describing the ground is the first thing that came to mind. If that post isn't grounded the brake light for instance passes through the one filament. Not finding a ground it will go back out through the second filament and find it's way to ground through other light circuits. If it is a ground problem I would expect that if they are on with the headlights on they will go out or very dim when you step on the brakes.

Now my goofy Puck is one of the odd ones. It does have separate turn and brake lamps but that is the unusual arrangement over here.

Jerry

[bobhenry]

YEP! Drag out your jumper cables and ground between tow and trailer bet the problem goes away. If so add a hard wired ground .

[Chuck]

Thanks guys. I'll give the ground a try. Makes sense.

Chuck