2009 - Present Ford F150 General discussion on the present generation Ford F150 truck.

brakes and turn signals don't work on boat trailer

Old 10-03-2011
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Unhappy brakes and turn signals don't work on boat trailer

I have a bass boat with surge brakes. I have power only and no brake lights or turn signals. I have traced it back to the truck. It is a truck problem. I get only running light power from the pigtail on the truck. I can't locate a bad fuse by using my manual. Help!

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Old 10-03-2011
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Originally Posted by UncleRay
I have a bass boat with surge brakes. I have power only and no brake lights or turn signals. I have traced it back to the truck. It is a truck problem. I get only running light power from the pigtail on the truck. I can't locate a bad fuse by using my manual. Help!

UncleRay
You've checked it at the plug on the hitch with a multi-meter or a test light? Sometimes the sockets get dirty and need a good douche with an electrical spray cleaner.

Check the relays under the hood. There are two or three that are specifically for the trailer.
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Old 10-03-2011
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Default I don't think that is it.

I cleaned all female and male connections. But, the main clue is that only one of the metal flanges on the FordMoCo female connector has a positive for current. That connector is standard equipment on my F150 and before any after market adapter or trailer based connector is attached. So, the problem seems to be truck related.

Ray
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Old 10-03-2011
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Kevin,

How can I tell if a relay is bad? Is the relay one of the square fuse types or the black solid electronics? I guess I could use a meter on them. But, which ones? Schematic helps some.

Ray
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Old 10-03-2011
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Originally Posted by UncleRay
I cleaned all female and male connections. But, the main clue is that only one of the metal flanges on the FordMoCo female connector has a positive for current. That connector is standard equipment on my F150 and before any after market adapter or trailer based connector is attached. So, the problem seems to be truck related.

Ray
And you checked the relay in the engine compartment?
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Old 10-03-2011
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I am not that savvy about the relays. What and where? Any help would be appreciated. I don't know what I am looking for and am afraid to mess with anything that I don't have a clue about.

Ray
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Old 10-03-2011
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Originally Posted by UncleRay
I am not that savvy about the relays. What and where? Any help would be appreciated. I don't know what I am looking for and am afraid to mess with anything that I don't have a clue about.

Ray
The relay/fuse panel is in the engine compartment. The lid comes off and will show you the relays. Relays 37 and 38 are for the trailer tow park and turn signals.
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Old 10-03-2011
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Kevin,

I'll check relays 37 and 38 for trailer late tomorrow. I have to go to St. Louis to talk to Cardiologist tomorrow. That will take all day.

Ray
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