Troubleshooting trailer turn signals

PiperBob

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Feb 13, 2017
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70
I have a Ford Ranger with a factory 4 pin connector. I used to pull a popup camper, so it plugs into a 7 pin connector. I think it's functioning properly.

I've assembled a Harbor Freight utility trailer. The lights sort of work, but there's an issue.

Symptoms: If if just use the turn signals they won't work. If I turn on the parking lights on the truck, then all the lights on the trailer come on and the turn signals function properly.

Ideas?
 

Alaric Darconville

Flashlight Enthusiast
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Sep 2, 2001
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5,377
Location
Stillwater, America
I've assembled a Harbor Freight utility trailer. The lights sort of work, but there's an issue.

Symptoms: If if just use the turn signals they won't work. If I turn on the parking lights on the truck, then all the lights on the trailer come on and the turn signals function properly.
"Hazard Fraught" :)

Does the stop lamp function work normally?

I'd check the grounds-- make sure the trailer's lamp assemblies actually connect to a ground wire-- sometimes to save costs a lamp assembly might be connected to the trailer frame instead of to a ground wire.
 
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PiperBob

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Feb 13, 2017
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Sorry for the delay in responding. A giant oak fell in our yard so I haven't been able to get back to the trailer until yesterday (busy chopping wood).

It's all working fine now, so I can only assume I didn't have the plug in well enough or something. I'll put some silicon grease on the pins.
 

Alaric Darconville

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Sep 2, 2001
Messages
5,377
Location
Stillwater, America
Sorry for the delay in responding. A giant oak fell in our yard so I haven't been able to get back to the trailer until yesterday (busy chopping wood).
At least it didn't smoosh the truck or trailer.

It's all working fine now, so I can only assume I didn't have the plug in well enough or something. I'll put some silicon grease on the pins.
First troubleshooting step is just check all the connections. Unplug/replug the usual connectors and such.
 
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