No trailer brake lights??

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by CDL CPL, Jan 18, 2020.

  1. CDL CPL

    CDL CPL Light Load Member

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    Aug 14, 2017
    Iowa
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    We got no trailer brake lights. All other lights function like they should. Checked all fuses. Not sure which is the correct relay under the hood. It's a 2013 Freightliner Cascadia. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do?
     
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  3. Bry

    Bry Light Load Member

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    Apr 16, 2013
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    Sometimes it is just the plug near the gladhands. Try jiggling it, pushing it in harder, or even using a screwdriver to gently, slightly bend the prongs in the socket. Also adding a little conductive grease could help.
     
  4. Intheoutfeild

    Intheoutfeild Light Load Member

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    Dec 15, 2007
    out there
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    Get a DC test light or a pig tail tester and check all connection sockets at the pig tail (trailer side) if good then the trailer wiring is bad, look in the light boxes (boxes that hold the marker/turn/brake lights) at the back of the trailer for corroded wires or cut wires, if pig tail is good test the pig tail connection at the tractor and back trace it from there. most times it is the pig tail unless it is is a old trailer.
     
  5. Bakerman

    Bakerman Road Train Member

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    Phoenix, AZ
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    Just had this problem last weekend. First tried the pigtail, nothing. Then went underneath the trailer where there are two connectors where the wiring crosses over from one side to the other.

    I unplugged those tow connectors then reattached, came out to look at lights and they were back on. Amazing!!
     
    baha Thanks this.
  6. O.Henry

    O.Henry Road Train Member

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    San Antonio,TX.
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    I had a problem similar to that,and it was a connection behind the cab wall.
     
    baha Thanks this.
  7. xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

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    Check for power to brake lights.
    Check for power in pigtail.
    Then check connection in the nose junction box, where the pigtail from truck plugs in to trailer.
     
  8. CDL CPL

    CDL CPL Light Load Member

    186
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    Aug 14, 2017
    Iowa
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    Turned out being the wiring under the trailer in the power box. Guess wire had jiggled itself loose. Now the issue is getting it set in there again to stay without having to open power box, which we will probably end up having to do but when it's warmer outside. Thanks for all the tips!
     
    xsetra Thanks this.
  9. xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

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    Good to here you... Sorta.... Fixed it.
     
  10. JAS 86 LLC

    JAS 86 LLC Bobtail Member

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    Dec 19, 2022
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    So guys the issue I have right now is that there is light on trailer but no brake light. The thing is that I have power only and i connect the truck to any trailer i would have the same issue
     
  11. xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

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    Are you saying, the running lights and turn signals work. The brake lights have power but don't light up?

    Or no power to brake lights? Do your brake lights come on the truck?
    If your truck lights work on truck, check the pigtail. You may have a loose or corroded pin connection.
    Or bad ground for the trailer brake circuit.
     
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