Burned out turn signal and brake light

jtalarek

I hope this is not a dumb question and I hope I am describing it correctly...
My right turn signal and brake light are not working however the LED is lit up in the tail light/running light position.  Is the light burned out or is something else going on?

Sharon_is_SAM

Is your TV right signal and brake light working?  

MuttonChops

Two items you can quickly check are:
First, is your 7-pin connector clean and dry.
Second are your Tow Vehicle fuses OK.
    Most tow vehicles have different fuses for the trailer running lights and turn/brake light circuits.

Knowing your Tow Vehicle make/yr and T@B model/year would be helpful.

N7SHG_Ham

Likely NOT burned out, either tow vehicle circuit not working or the seven pin connector needs cleaned. The led's in the assembly are the same for all light functions, they just light up brighter for the turn and brake functions, so if tail lights work, the others probably do too once power gets to them. FYI, the tail light units are sealed, if they do have issues, it is a replace the entire assembly.

jtalarek

Yes, the tow vehicle brake lights and turn signal are working.  The tow vehicle gave a message that the turn signal light was burned out but I suspect it just did not sense a connection.  Will try cleaning the 7-prong wiring harness and keep you posted.  Thanks so much for the information.

tabiphile

A great thing to add to your tool kit is a 7 pin plug tester. To use it, simply plug it in. It takes all of the guesswork out of troubleshooting your connections, plugs and lights. These are available everywhere...Tractor Supply, Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart, any auto parts, anywhere that sells tow hitch gear.
If you decide you need to clean the plug, only use a proper contact cleaner like CRC. Do not spray silicon or put any other products on the connectors. They are designed to be self lubricating. 

jtalarek

Great tips, tabiphile, thanks.  You anticipated my next questions.  I also wonder if they make a weather resistant cap to put over the 7-prong plug when not in use.  I will look for something like that as well.

falcon1970

@jtalarek
They do make such covers for the umbilical plug.  I dont see a brand name on mine but a google search will probably find them--there are several; on the market.  I have seen them at Northern Tool.
When you get one, be sure the plug is facing UP when you stow the umbilical.  If you hang the plug down (as would seem to be logical at first) water will seep into the cap and the plug will be stowed in a puddle of water.  If the plug is facing up there will be no water (from rain at least--I dunno about floods) seeping into the cap.

jtalarek

Turns out it was a bad bulb - although my 7 prong plug was pretty gritty so I'm glad I cleaned it.  My local trailer and truck service center was able to have the bulb sent overnight (thanks Elsie) and squeezed me in to replace it! Thanks again for all the great tips
In the process the trim piece around the lights was removed and replaced 3 times and the soft, gooy sealant NuCamp applied at each screw hole is pretty well shot.  I have already gotten some water leaking in the back.  Does anyone know what kind of a product that is?  I tried to describe it at 2 local hardware stores and they had no idea.  

chpiv

I would like to know too.  I had to replace the driver’s side tail light as several of the led lights in the assembly were not working.  The tail light is actually held in place by the factory applied goop.

Slackers

At the risk of hijacking this thread the LEDs in our '19 CSS license frame are dying.  Sure would be nice if LEDs delivered on their claimed longevity.

MuttonChops

jtalarek said:
. . . the soft, gooy sealant NuCamp applied at each screw hole is pretty well shot.
. . . Does anyone know what kind of a product that is?
. . . I tried to describe it at 2 local hardware stores and they had no idea.  

I've seen this question asked on many different forums, mostly car body repair threads and older boat project threads.  While I am not an expert on these materials.

The Best answer seems to be it is an industrial** use Butyl Rubber sealant.  It is waterproof, remains flexible, and can flex quite a bit while remaining water tight.

** which explains why local hardware stores are clueless

A page of McMaster-Carr catalog sounds like the type of 'stuff' being used.

Amazon has a few listed, here's one:

jtalarek

Thank you.  I also reached out to NuCamp Service and Austen responded saying they use Geocel 2300 MHRV at the factory.