2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission No Electric from Truck to Trailer

[benhall]

I'm having an issue on getting any kind of electric power from the truck to my trailer. Is there a master fuse for all of this? I know this is a truck issue and not a trailer issue is that my brake controler isn't even showing an error message when the trailer isn't hooked up like it usually does. (Yes, I did check it's connections) Any ideas on where I could start looking for where the problem is coming from?

Ben

 

[GAmes]

My 97 has a relay and fuse in the PDC under the hood. You might look there.

 

[charlessmith]

The '96 and '97 (at least) have a 40A fuse for +12 to the trailer socket, and there is a relay, fed from the 40A circuit, for the tail light connector in the trailer socket.

Added: The relay is used for the tail light connector in the trailer socket because the headlight switch and tail light fuse in the left side of the dash won't survive with much extra load. I know from personal experience that this is a fact! So, if you are wiring an in-bed connector for a 5th wheel or slide in camper, be sure to feed the tail / marker lights from the relay'ed circuit, NOT the truck's tail light wiring.

Looking into the fuse/relay (PDC?) box on my '96, when you are standing by the driver's fender the 40A fuse is the middle fuse in the middle row. The relay is the 4th one in from the fender on the right side.

 

[benhall]

I found my problem. The 40A fuse was fried.

 

[DPrew]

Check your trailer for any loose wires that may have caused the fuse to pop if it happens again. I've had that problem before where the wires behind the lights had worn and were grounding to the trailer.

 

[benhall]

Fortunately it wasn't my trailer that I was pulling that did this. I did replace the fuse yesterday, but it didn't completely fix everything. I can activate my trailer brake manually, but it doesn't come on every time I hit the brake pedal like it did before.

 

[MullinsM]

Thanks to TDR. Thanks to Charles Smith for his explanation of the additional fuse. Was pulling my hair out with no power to 12v or taillights. Had turn signals and stops at the 7 prong. Had finally figured had bad wires somewhere and came in and gave the forum a shot and thank goodness for this post. Fixed me up. One note-- ran a continuity on the 40 amp trailer fuse and it tested good. Changed it with the one next to it and everything started working. Don't always believe a fuse continuity!!!!!!!!!