Need help locating tail light Trailer

Corky · #1 (**permalink**) 10-23-2007, 03:12 PM

I have a left brake light problem. I have traced it to the tail light trailer. I have left and right turn signal and right brake light and the turn signal doesnot work with the brake pedel is pressed. I have power in to the left side of the trailer, but none out and the fuse is good. I think I need a replacement trailer box, but do not now what it is.
Any help of part number of generic name or number would help.
Thanks.

Corky

strictlypersonl · #2 (**permalink**) 10-23-2007, 04:23 PM

You can use a generic trailer relay that's intended to change a three wire system (separate brake and signal filaments) to a shared-filament system. Trailer rental places probably have them, and most auto parts places too.

Corky · #3 (**permalink**) 10-23-2007, 06:19 PM

With out sounding like I don't understand, Why is the relay needed to work the tail light, turn signel & brake light? How does the wire know which filaments to light when the lights and turn signel are used and does the relay controll the current to the wire to light the filament by the use?
PM me if needed or email.
Thanks.

Corky

SSSammy · #4 (**permalink**) 10-24-2007, 08:01 AM

Corky, your tail lights are using the bright filament for two things, signal and brakes. The relay combines the two separate switch functions and sends voltage out on *one* wire for each side of the car. See the diagram on pg 14 of Bob's excellent primer:

http://www.erareplicas.com/427man/wiring/wprimer.pdf

Caveat, the schematic does not show the *tail light* or low intensity filament circuit.

Sam