How do you repair the tail lights on a pull behind trailer?

Answer 1

Sounds like you've got a burnt-out taillight bulb.

1. 1 - go to your local auto parts store and ask them to look up a taillight bulb for your make, model and year, and buy it.

1. 2 - Access the tail-light bulb holder by opening up the tail light from *inside* the trunk of the car. (This is trickier than I've written here...but I don't have a Toyota Avalon so I can give exact instructions). This usually involves a flat head screwdriver, a Phillips head screwdriver and a wrench at most for tools. With many tail lights, there are a few screws to undo, or even just clips to unclip from inside the trunk to pull the bulb-holder out of the light housing.

1. 3 - Remove the burnt out bulb and insert the new one.

1. 4 - Have a friend look to see that your brake light goes off when you stomp on the brake. (Or use a large mirror, angled so you can see it from the driver's seat to do the test yourself.)

If it works, voila! If it doesn't, you've got electrical issues...or bought a burnt out bulb. To test the bulb, you can slip it into the working tail-light housing on the other side and test it...

Answer 2

There are several things you need to know before you start like is it a 4 wire 6 wire or 7 wire plug. But most of the time with any of the tails or turns or marker lights it is a ground issue. Most trailer tail light are a 3 wire configuration because they are also the turn signal and brake lights. Most manufacturers use the WHITE wire as ground, some use black so be careful, if not you may blow a fuse in your tow vehicle. First take the tail light out of its assembley and trace the ground wire back, some trailers the ground is attached on the rear frame, and make sure that it is screwed down tight(the grd wire). If it is a 4 wire make sure you don't have excess rust on the hitch ball on your tow vehicle, as that is used as a chassis ground. If all else fails find a trailer dealer that also services what they sell and they can probaly fix you up in a half an hour or less.

Answer 3

Ducktape

If the vehicle is under 10 years old you can purchase a new one from the dealer. If the vehicle is over 10 years old you can call your local wrecking yards for a good used one for aprox half the price of a new one.