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Old 06-16-2015, 09:33 PM   #1
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Non-functioning brake light

I've got a 2011 Zinger and the right brake light stopped working. The left side works fine and all other functions are OK: turn signals & running lights. Bulb is OK -- I switched right/left bulbs and the right side continues to fail. Inside the plastic light cover it indicates that the green wire controls both turn and brake, so I guess my problem is not at the light fixture itself, since turn signals work fine. Anyone ever experienced this? Any ideas? I pulled the wiring out of the back of the trailer as far as it would go and it looked fine.
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Old 06-16-2015, 10:16 PM   #2
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Sounds like your problem is not in your Zinger, but in your tow vehicle. If left and right turn signals work, and also your 4-way flashers work, then those are the same paths, wires, bulbs, and filaments that the brakes use. The difference in signals is from the "multi-purpose" or "turn-signal" switch on your steering column. That's the guy who determines which bulbs are lit, and when. What are the lights on the back of your tow vehicle doing? If the problem is the same there, it is definitely the truck.
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Old 06-17-2015, 11:25 AM   #3
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turn signal issue

Marty is right, If you notice on your tow vehicle that it had separate turn signals (usually yellow or orange) from your brake lights there is a module connected to the trailer wiring that "joins" these signals together to allow your trailer (which only has red lights) to produce both functions without affecting the T-V signals. This module is usually near the rear of the truck in a side panel or cubby. it varies from manufacture. contact your dealer to find out where it is installed . they are not terribly expensive 20 - 60 bucks. there are also aftermarket units available as well.
good luck.
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Old 06-17-2015, 12:16 PM   #4
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If you have the factory towing package, in the main fuse box under the hood you will find fuses that will control the left light the right light and the brake lights also there is one that will charge the battery check these first most of the tie it is one of these
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Old 06-17-2015, 04:42 PM   #5
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If you are uncertain whether it is the vehicle or the trailer wiring you can jump from the battery connection in the trailer plug to the right brake light connection. You can use a paper clip or a piece of wire. I made a jumper by crimping flat blade connectors to each end of a short piece of wire. The connector locations are illustrated in this diagram. You would want to connect the wire between the black & brown terminals. The colors shown are the colors of the wires that are attached inside the plug. If you battery is charged the right brake light should illuminate. If it does, check your tow vehicle.
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Old 06-17-2015, 04:42 PM   #6
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Just a side note ...when ever you have a problem with trailer lights . simply hook another truck to your trailer then hook up your truck to another trailer. Helps to eliminate which is faulty.
good luck.
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Old 06-17-2015, 07:55 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fhenn View Post
If you have the factory towing package, in the main fuse box under the hood you will find fuses that will control the left light the right light and the brake lights also there is one that will charge the battery check these first most of the tie it is one of these
Always a good place to start. Trailer ground is also a common problem. I would start in your fuse box.
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Old 06-17-2015, 08:56 PM   #8
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All good answers. Sadly, like many, the OP didn't tell us the details. Our guesses (orange turn signals, need an adapter), (good tow package, has its own fuses), etc, won't be known unless the OP answers. BTW, I liked the hint about jumping the TT 7-pin plug, I never thought of that! Thanks!
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Old 06-18-2015, 02:08 PM   #9
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Success!! Thanks for all the really great suggestions and methods for tracking down the problem. Sure enough, the tow vehicle fuse box had a burned out 10 amp fuse for the trailer brake light! The Zinger is in storage, so I have to wait for our next camping trip to give the system a final check. I really appreciate all the timely help!
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Old 06-18-2015, 05:53 PM   #10
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find a neighbor that has a trailer , buy him a beer and hook his wire to your truck to make sure everything works.
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Old 06-18-2015, 07:12 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by manty View Post
Success!! Thanks for all the really great suggestions and methods for tracking down the problem. Sure enough, the tow vehicle fuse box had a burned out 10 amp fuse for the trailer brake light! The Zinger is in storage, so I have to wait for our next camping trip to give the system a final check. I really appreciate all the timely help!
I recently had a similar problem with a new to me TV. I knew that this was a common problem and still missed it. Glad you got it figured out.
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