2015 Tab 320 Outback Driver's side taillight running light

Parlando · August 13

My drivers side running light doesn't work. My right side works, but with less than full LEDs showing up. All other functions on both lights work... brakes, turn signals okay. I tested the 7 pin on the car and got a bright light from the 11:00 pin on the 7 pin. So I think that electricity is good there.

I removed the 4 screws from around the driver's side taillight on the T@B. That panel doesn't come off easy so I'm guessing that there is a sealant there. Not sure if it is the correct place to look so I've stopped for now.

I removed the 2 screws from the red lens cap, which falls off easy, but the light is snug there. Not sure what's called for, so I stopped for now.

Any suggestions on how to proceed? Thanks, Parlando

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/lq/m2ydi3fuz76w.jpg

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/so/sjtwu0xbbafc.jpg

Tabaz · August 13

The LED lights are very easy to replace. You do not have to remove the socket or any trim pieces. Using a small flathead screwdriver, simply pry the LED light out of it's black socket. You will see three wires attached to the back of the LED light - black, white and red. Simply match them up to your new LED. You can throw away the black socket that comes with the new lights. Word of warning - nuCamp leaves very little slack in those wires, so be careful not to waste any. You can buy a direct replacement on Amazon. There is another thread on the forum with the link.

Parlando · August 13

Thank you. Do you think that is the next logical move? Any other testing to do first?

Tabaz · August 13

Here are the lights:
https://www.amazon.com/Kaper-II-L15-0021-Trailer-Light/dp/B0113XPTIK
Not sure how to test for a bad running light situation - when other functions are working. Maybe someone can chime in. However, I do know that with older trailers like ours, the LED's need to be replaced because they start going out. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Parlando · August 13

Thanks for your input!

Freespirit · August 13

@Parlando, just a quick observation, when I removed the same 4 screws you removed I also had to remove the additional 3 screws to the left and my cover came right off.

Parlando · August 13

I’ve been trying to remove the light with a Flathead screwdriver. The black socket started to chip, almost seems like it is brittle at the bottom. It doesn’t seem to want to release. It’s hot here now, and I’m in the sun, so I’ll wait a bit and maybe try again.

Parlando · August 13

Decided to go back to the T@B brain trust. After trying to remove the LED tail light with a flat head screwdriver, and pieces of the black surround either refused to give or chipped off, I removed the four screws next to the surround and was able to get the surround off and look at the inside of the light casing. I realized that no amount of prying with the screwdriver would pop out the light as it is fully caulked in with some sort of sealant. I've attached two pics, one of the outside with chipped black grommet, and one of the inside with the sealant. Before I proceed to try to remove the sealant and replace the light I thought I'd ask for follow up advice. Proceed? What kind of sealant do I use to replace the old stuff? Thanks.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/yv/3rjdtbn5hh2q.jpg

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/6o/jb9r91ijrj02.jpg

Sharon_is_SAM · August 14

See linked post. NuCamp recommends GeoCell.

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/16031/caulking-and-sealants-what-nucamp-uses

Parlando · August 14

Thanks for the sealant suggestion. Anyone have a good process for removing all the sealant around the light do I can get it out?

Tabaz · August 14

Sorry to see that there is sealant holding the LED section to the black socket. When you get the new lights in, you'll see how that piece simply pops out of the socket. I suggest waiting until you get the new lights before proceeding. I've done four of these replacements and never had to remove any trim pieces or the black socket.

Parlando · August 14

Yes, the sealant looks like it might make the job impossible. I might try cleaning the 7-pin of the build up of electrical grease first. I know I have power from the car side, but I’m not sure if the 7pin connects to the trailer side successfully. Is that back plastic light holder still available for sale? It may beadier to replace the holder rather than clean out the sealant.

Parlando · August 14

I meant “easier” to replace the holder…

Tabaz · August 14

The black plastic holder (shown in your photo with the three wires coming out of it) is part of the replacement light from Amazon. Therefore, best to wait until the new units arrive.

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2015 Tab 320 Outback Driver's side taillight running light

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