Running lights not working!

[RCMP03]

Hello everyone, we hooked up the trailer and all lights are operational except the running lights. Does anyone know if there is a fuse that might be the problem or any other suggestions? It seems like there always has to be something wrong.

We are getting ready to move to WA this Friday, will be living in the Monty for a duration of time while we sort things out up there. Would be nice to have running lights when traveling at night!

Thanks in advance for any advice you may have to offer!

Sue

[jackel1959]

Sue,
Do you have tail lights and the license plate light? Terminal #3 on the truck's 7-way connector is running, tail and license plate lights for the trailer (should be the pin/blade in the 11 o'clock position). I would first check to make sure you have output power from the plug on the truck. If not it is probably a truck fuse.

r,
Jack

[dieselguy]

Here's a website with the 7 pin wiring diagrams both vehicle and trailer about half way down the page. I'd start with the connector on your truck and see if there is power to the tail light terminal and go from there. If no power on the truck, probably the truck fuse. I don't know of any "fuse" on the fiver for solely tail lights. Behind the hitch pin on your fiver is a junction box with the trailer light and brake wiring inside ... perhaps the running light wire has come loose from the wire nut. I believe it is a white wire with a green stripe.
http://www.etrailer.com/faq-wiring.aspx

[RCMP03]

Thank you for your responses. My husband will have a look tomorrow when it is daylight. I thought the Dodge had a universal fuse box called a TIPPIN (SP ?) and had no fuses. I sure hope it is something easy such as a fuse. We had to have the TIPPIN replaced a couple of years ago while under warranty, will be costly if had to replace now! We will let you know what we find tomorrow! Thanks again!!!!

[GregN]

Another thing to check is make sure the contacts in the plugs are clean. Some very fine sandpaper on the contacts and blow out the dust is enough to get them lighting up again

[RCMP03]

As an update: Running lights still not working, changed the fuse and ran a trouble shoot, but can't figure it out! If we can't get it in for service before we leave this Friday, we will drive only during daylight hours. Shouldn't be a problem as we will be doing the trip with a two night stay on the way up (each leg about a 7-8 hour drive). Sue

[bncinwv]

Out of curiosity, your truck does not have an Auto setting for the headlights that is turned on and you are checking in the daytime, does it. Our running lights will only work when the headlights are on, whether night-time on Auto or that the headlights are on via the switch. Ours is a Chevy and I don't know about Dodge??
Bingo

[dieselguy]

Again ... using a multimeter, check the pin at your 11 oclock position inside your vehicle plug in or below the bed of your truck (wherever its located). With the lights on, there should be 12 volts ... if there is, the issue is in your pigtail from the trailer or probably in the junction box under the pinbox on the fiver. Verifying this will at least tell you at what point you're loosing voltage and save some dollars in troubleshooting if you hire the job done.

[RCMP03]

Hello,
Electrical turned out to be a major problem. The people that wired it prior had it so mixed up that it shorter out. $400 later all is fixed. So far so good. Thanks for all suggestions they were very helpful.

Sue