Got no trailer lights

Discussion in 'Car Hauler and Auto Carrier Trucking Forum' started by Jcurran90, Jan 12, 2017.

  1. Jcurran90

    Jcurran90 Light Load Member

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    Apr 29, 2016
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    Ok guys got a nightmare on my hands here got no trailer lights 2011 cottrell high Rail got 4ways but don't have marker/nite lights about to tear this thing down tomorrow but figured I reach out to see if anyone can tell me where to start oh and the fuse is good and have power coming off the 7 pin of tractor...
     
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  3. VTech

    VTech Bobtail Member

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    Oct 8, 2015
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    My 05 cottrell has a in line fuse near the front left of the trailer. It also has one on the left side of the head rack. I have had that fuse holder get corroded.
    Good luck!
     
  4. SLANT6

    SLANT6 Road Train Member

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    Get yourself a good test light. Start from the light cord and work back. But First...Check to make sure the light cord plug has juice from the tractor, all pin holes.
     
  5. iRookie

    iRookie Light Load Member

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    Run a temporary ground wire from your tractor body to the trailer body, if the marker lights light up then your trailer socket has a short, croded or loose connection.
     
  6. cnsper

    cnsper Road Train Member

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    I always start by spreading the pins in the trailer socket. Since the 4 ways work it is not a ground issue.
     
  7. Tropsnart

    Tropsnart Road Train Member

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    Pavilion New York
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    Pull the lights out of the taillight boxes and check for a bare wire touching the box. Also check your marker relay for corrosion by switching for another relay of the same amperage.
     
  8. GrapeApe

    GrapeApe Road Train Member

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    How did you test power from the tractor? Always test voltage with the circuit loaded. It is very common to have corrosion making a very high resistance. High resistance will show battery voltage in an open circuit, but drop as soon as you try to power anything. Test lights just suck, use a volt meter. If you can't test it loaded, get a set of loading test leads or rig up a headlight bulb to make your own.

    When you are sure that you have good power coming from the tractor, and your sure that the trailer has good ground, then move on to the trailer. Follow the 7 way, Cottrell usually has a plug under the front plate, sometimes it's a little further back just before it goes into the rail. It common to corrode there. The there is another plug in front of the axles, this is a Y plug that splits it off to the ABS, another common place for problems.
     
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