trailer light plug

[Hookemupman]

I have got 24ft gooseneck that I've had hooked to my 98 4x4,I just found that i have no running lights,but do have brake lights and turn signals,I did check at the trailer plug on truck to make sure its not just a wiring problem on the trailer,and went as far as hooking up another trailer with the same results. Any help would be apprieciated. Jason

 

[PHaller]

Check the 30 amp fuse in the power distribution center under the hood. It is probably bad.

-Paul R. haller-

 

[Hookemupman]

Thanks Paul you were right its the weird looking 40amp fuse in the fuse block under hood was blown. Jason

 

[JR2]

I know you got it fixxed but I thought I would add a lesson that my Dad taught me when I was barley able to comrehend electricty. If you have a problems with tralier lights, 99% of the time it is the ground. Thanks Dad.

 

[Ninearrow]

Good question. Good answer. I've had the same problem.



My question: Anyone know a good cheap source for those weirdlooking box type fuses under the hood? Dodge dealer gets $1 apiece for them.

 

[Fuzz]

Fuses

PeP Boys has 'em here in Denver area.

Haven't tried Auto Zone.

 

[SpeedBump]

Originally posted by JR2

I know you got it fixxed but I thought I would add a lesson that my Dad taught me when I was barley able to comrehend electricty. If you have a problems with tralier lights, 99% of the time it is the ground. Thanks Dad.

I'll agree with that. In my dad's old farm truck he's got a gooseneck plate w/ball that's worn out 3 or 4 trucks. Man, that thing is old. Anyway, when not in use the trailer ball get's covered with rust and after hooking up it usually takes 2 or 3 turns before it makes a good contanct.



Eric

 

[PHaller]

I think the ground problem is not as prevelant as it used to be. Now, they have a ground in the trailer plug but that was not always the case. You had to rely on a mechanical connection in the hitch for your ground. That was a really bad idea.

I do believe however, that grounds are usually overlooked as the cause in electrical issues. Most people forget that they are also part of the circuit. That's why, when I bought my CTD, I also installed extra grounds. I started by buying 2/0 welding wire and heavy duty copper lugs at the welding supply. I made up extra grounds to go from each battery to a central point on the head and from there down to the frame. I also made up an extra ground that goes from the battery to the body. All the connections are first wire brushed to be sure they are clean and then dielectric grease is applied along with stainless star washers to prevent corosion and insure a good mechanical connection to ground. Finally, all the wires were covered with split loom to appear factory. This will go a long way to solving any future ground failures.

-Paul R. Haller-