No Tail Lights...

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Dec 6, 2010 | 04:46 PM

Superred2

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Joined: May 2010

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From: Spartanburg, SC

No Tail Lights...

I recently removed the bed of my truck to install a new fuel tank and last night I finally got it all put back together. I had unplugged the bed from the socket on the wiring harness located at the back of the truck on the left side. There were actually two plugs, a four pin plug and a one pin plug. When I replaced the bed last night, I plugged them both back up and now I have no tail lights, tag lights, or turn signals. The brake lights worked a couple of times, but not consistently. Everything worked before I unplugged them. What would have caused them to stop working, especially the turn signals?

Dec 6, 2010 | 05:05 PM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

Poor connection at the plugs, and or you have lost a ground wire back there. I seem to remember one that is bolted to the frame, but I don't know if it's original or is just for the trailer connector.

Dec 6, 2010 | 06:20 PM

Superred2

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From: Spartanburg, SC

When I disconnected it, I didn't see a wire attached to the frame, I just disconnected the plugs. I guess I'm curious as to why the turn signals would not be working. Why would the taillights work and nothing else? The plug looks to be making a good connection.

Dec 6, 2010 | 06:53 PM

kevin206

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From: McMinnville, TN

I thought you said the taillights weren't working? Check that connector. Looks can be deceiving. Check for corrosion at the grounds. And make sure the connectors on the lights haven't pulled out or anything.

Dec 6, 2010 | 07:04 PM

Superred2

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From: Spartanburg, SC

Tail lights are working, nothing else. Is there a particular ground I am looking for?

Dec 6, 2010 | 07:40 PM

Wicked Endings

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Joined: Apr 2010

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From: Richlands, NC

Well, you have the opposite problem I have.

My turn signals, brake lights, and all that jazz works.

But my tail lights for at night don't work.

But it is a ground problem. 100% sure.

Dec 6, 2010 | 09:52 PM

smashclash

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Joined: Apr 2010

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From: South Jersey

i had the same problem when i took my bed off and put it back. that single pigtail at the back is the ground wire. you can test the ground by running a test wire from the pigtail (part that goes toward the back --- taillights) and grounding it on the frame. might want to use some alligator clips to temp hold it. then check your lights.

that was my problem. i ended up cutting the pigtail off as it was corroded and replaced the pigtail with plugin crimp on connectors. I also soldered in another wire and ran it to a spot on the frame to add an additional ground. Been good to go ever since.