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Subject Topic: caravan towing lights Post Reply Post New Topic
Personevej24
07/3/2017 at 12:50pm
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Hi, fog lights and indicators are working but normal lights and brake lights not working. Tried bulbs and fuses where we think they would be connected (under seats) any ideas simplified thanks


Personacampingwewillgo
07/3/2017 at 1:08pm
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It could be a bad earth connection from your cars pin plug or a bit of dirt in the plug. Have you got a different source to check that's got a 7 pin or 13 pin plug - like a bike carrier or box trailer?


PersonOpensauce
07/3/2017 at 1:25pm
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As pointed out. You next step needs to be dismantle caravan plug that goes into towbar. Often water gets in & you find a green corroded mess.

If this is case then strip back to clean wires & fit a new plug. Depending on age it will be either 7pin black plug or 13pin unless older caravan has been converted to 13pin.

If plug is ok. Then next step is to dismantle car towbar socket.


Personchrisn7
07/3/2017 at 1:48pm
 Location: West Yorkshire
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Whether you have a 7 pin or 13 pin set up, there is a common earth back to the car, for all road lights

Since you have some lights working, this would suggest that the earth is not the issue, and therefore it is to do with the supply side to the faulty lights.

The quickest way to test is either with a multi meter on DC volts, or a 12v test lamp - one side on earth, then touch each of the problem pins or sockets on the car to see if you have volts or a light with appropriate ones switched on in the car. If no joy, the socket is the problem; if good, the caravan plug is bad.


Personevej24
07/3/2017 at 2:41pm
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Will try these suggestions thanks all :)


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Persontango55
07/3/2017 at 7:57pm
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Try cleaning the bulbs with wire wool and Brasso first as sometimes a little surface corrosion can cause minor problems. It happened with a right indicator bulb and a left brake light bulb a couple of years ago but the cleaning solution remedied the problem instantly. Whilst I was at it I removed and cleaned all the other bulbs so it wouldn't happen again in the near future.


PersonGrandad Kenny
07/3/2017 at 9:15pm
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It could also be the pins in the plug, you will notice that you can open the pins a bit which could make a better contact, try the simplest thing first, good luck


Persontango55
07/3/2017 at 9:32pm
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Quote: Originally posted by Grandad Kenny on 07/3/2017
It could also be the pins in the plug, you will notice that you can open the pins a bit which could make a better contact, try the simplest thing first, good luck


I think that may be the case with the older 7 pin plugs that are a push in fit but not so sure if you can with the twist design 13 pin plug as the pins are solid and smaller in diameter.


Personchrisn7
07/3/2017 at 9:46pm
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Quote: Originally posted by tango55 on 07/3/2017
Try cleaning the bulbs with wire wool and Brasso first as sometimes a little surface corrosion can cause minor problems.


The OP stated that all lights except indicators and brakes light had failed. This action is fine if one bulb is out, but its very unlikely that he has bulb corrosion at all 4 corners simultaneously, so it would be unnecessary work.


Personmalc1945
07/3/2017 at 10:42pm
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had a case of the taillights not working triedall the usual thing ie earth dirty connectors ect it turned out to be a relay in the car had the whole lot rewired fitter said he had never seen such bad wiring it was on the car when we bought it. they even took photos of it for there bad install book.


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PersonGeoff48
08/3/2017 at 8:13pm
 Location: Bolton
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I'm no electrician but recently had no nearside road light nor nearside indicator. I checked and cleaned the bulbs and contacts without success. I checked the connections on the 12n plug, nothing wrong. In desperation checked the number plate light, found a loose earth connection on that light. Re-crimped the joint and all lights working ok now.


Personmarramc48
09/3/2017 at 10:23pm
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If 7 pin electrics, plug/socket testers are available on-line for approximately £10/11. At least it would show whether the fault is on car or caravan. (They are probably also available for 13 pin electrics)

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mm48j


PersonPaul Narramore
11/3/2017 at 10:01am
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Yes, I've just got one on order - £6.99 on eBay - but until it arrives I am checking using my faithful lead/bulb/bulldog clip. Nearly there!


PersonGrampian91
11/3/2017 at 11:34am
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Those testers have a slight flaw. They use LEDs.

A tiny current will light an LED but not a standard bulb.


Personmarramc48
11/3/2017 at 9:50pm
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Quote: Originally posted by Paul Narramore on 11/3/2017
Yes, I've just got one on order - £6.99 on eBay - but until it arrives I am checking using my faithful lead/bulb/bulldog clip. Nearly there!


Best of luck Paul. Hope you get it sorted soon.


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mm48j



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