M100 trailer question

MASH_4077 · Post by **MASH_4077** » Thu Apr 12, 2012 8:32 pm

So tonight I was out in the shop tinkering with my Jeep & decided to hook up the M100 to it. Well I plugged in the lights & I've got no lights. No blackouts no tail lights no nothing. I do have an issue with the brake lights on the Jeep its self. But I think the is a whole other issue. But anyways. I'm thinking there is a wire possibly broken or my connections were just not good enough. Anyone have any ideas where to start? Thanks in advance!!

Post by **wesk** » Fri Apr 13, 2012 1:18 am

Same place you start on any trailer lighting issue 12 or 24 volt. Using a test lamp or meter:

1-Check each output pin in the jeep's trailer receptacle for proper power.

2-Check all grounds.

3-Check all the trailer's lamps.

4-Check each lamp socket on the trailer for proper power.

(Proper power means system voltage is available when that light function is applied. IE 24 volt system then proper power at the receptacle's pin for the marker lights will be system voltage when the main light switch is in any position that normally applies power to the rear marker lamps.)

MASH_4077 · Post by **MASH_4077** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 3:40 pm

Ok my A1 is still 24v and so is the trailer . Can you still use a regular meter with the 24v system? I want to make sure. I'm not that great with electrical stuff lol. Also I'm working on a brake light issue on the A1 not sure weather its the switch or bulb. Thank you for the insight on where yo start!

MASH_4077 · Post by **MASH_4077** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 8:25 pm

Figured it out. All of my bulbs are burnt out but 2 passenger side brake light & tail light work. And its a pain to get the lens covers off!! Lol

Post by **wesk** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 11:45 pm

Wait to you see the price of the 24 volt bulbs!

MASH_4077 · Post by **MASH_4077** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 11:47 pm

Lol I sense some sarcasm there Wes lol

LeeMN · Post by **LeeMN** » Tue May 15, 2012 9:47 pm

Guys if you are near a caterpillar dealer you can buy 24V bulbs there cheaper than napa. Been a while but last time I purchased bulbs Cat was half the price of NAPA
HTH, Lee

Post by **wesk** » Tue May 15, 2012 10:12 pm

Thanks Lee, I'll have to check out the Cat shop!

RickC · Post by **RickC** » Wed May 16, 2012 7:43 am

A lot of the dealers have NOS bulbs in 10 packs for about 15 bucks.....

FrankenJeep · Post by **FrankenJeep** » Tue May 22, 2012 3:38 pm

RickC wrote:A lot of the dealers have NOS bulbs in 10 packs for about 15 bucks.....

Yep. I ran into that problem, too. Had to buy a whole BOX of 'em to fix 2 that were toast.

But I've got PLENTY of bulbs now...................

FJ

major519 · Post by **major519** » Wed May 23, 2012 6:13 am

I used to work at a trailer shop. Two of the most common causes for lighting failures on a trailer are the connection point, either the towing veh or the trailer (socket and plu) or the ground.
The ground is a biggie; realize that when towing a trailer, the hitch is what makes ground. If you have a ball type hitch and it is rusty, poor contact will be made. this is the same for the inside of the tongue. I believe on the pintle system you have a separate ground pin on the plug and socket.
Poor grounds anywhere in an electrical system are the cause of many headaches.

C15TA · Post by **C15TA** » Thu Jun 14, 2012 6:43 pm

Hi Chris
I don't quite agree about the ball type hitch making the ground. When I wire trailers at the garage I don't usually even hook the truck to the trailer. Extra time, different size etc. I depend on the ground wire from the vehicle and make sure that wire is cleanly attached to the trailer and the lights are grounded to the trailer. You are 100% right about the ground being one of the most important factors for light problems. Way, way back when I was an apprentice I had to wire my bosses buddies boat trailer. I was driving myself crazy trying to get lights until I realized the trailer was a tipper and the tongue wouldn't ground to the chassis where the rusty pivot was. A tough lesson.

By the way Chris congratulations on your new CDN 101 trailer. It sounds like a keeper with that combat zone history.
Cheers,
Barry