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View Full Version : Crazy D3 LED trailer light issues



CanadianRyan
30th March 2018, 10:13 PM
Hi all
I have a 2008 D3 2.7l SE and I love it. It goes wherever I need it to go and I've rarely had any issues.

When I started pulling trailers with LED tail lights I read up in this forum and subsequently purchased a module to adapt the trailer. It's always worked fine on all the trailers I've used or hired.

Last week I decided to buy a second hand camper trailer. It all looked great but when I picked it up I had brake lights and running lights but no indicators. I took it home and unplugged/ plugged it in and all lights started working fine. Loose connection i thought. A few days passed as i was packing it for camping and the lights worked fine every day. Jump to the day I'm scheduled to leave and I've only got indicators on one side. I test the output from module and all signals are there, just not illuminating the leds. I decided to replace trailer plug with a brand new one and all of a sudden the brake lights and indicators stop working, by running lights are ok... So i cancelled the departure for that afternoon due to safety concerns with driving without brake lights.

The very next day i connect to the trailer again and poof, they all magically work again. Nothing changed. The only things i can think of is perhaps the leds on the back are too big? Drawing too much combined with module? Or... the only difference with the car from the last time i towed a trailer is that I've had my LR mechanic wire in a new brake controller. Redarc towpro elite.

Has anyone else had similar issues? Thanks in advance!

orville
30th March 2018, 10:41 PM
I would start by comparing the wiring of the brake controller with the info in Sticky zone. The auto electrician may have made an error.

shanegtr
31st March 2018, 02:31 PM
I've had issues where the pins on the large 7 pin connector seem to compress and loose contact with the plug. For me it always seems to affect the left hand indicator. I get a small screw driver into the male pins and expand them out slightly and its good to go again.

Globetrotter
31st March 2018, 03:18 PM
It is more than likely the earth wire not making a good connection on the trailer - sometimes you get earth from trailer ball and sometimes not, hence the hit and miss. Follow the earth wire from the trailer connection through the trailer and make sure its good. If all okay check earth connection on vehicle trailer socket

CanadianRyan
3rd April 2018, 12:47 PM
Thanks everyone. I'm just back from my Easter trip with the camper - I'll explore all the options suggested and try to figure out what's happening.

pastor098
3rd April 2018, 02:45 PM
Funny you mention this, I too am having this issue. Interested to hear the outcome when you have nailed it down.