Caravan Lights Issue

[Johnb]

Wonder if anyone can help! Presently in the Pyrenees touring with everything normal until yesterday. Hitched van, ATC did its thing, checked lights and immediately saw that the off-side running lights (front white and side amber markers came on when brake was applied as well as the normal brake lights.
Re-coupled no change.
Will leave until home if necessary since all lights work except we get extras not wanted. If I travel with sidelights on then everything will look normal.
And quick fixes please. Not sure if fault is car or van and no UK tow cars around to hitch and check.
I’m not going to dismantle plug on van or socket on car.
Have multi-meter but not sure how I would use it except to check an unwanted current for lights pin except no idea which pins to check and surprised lights only come on one side of van.
Help appreciated.

 

[birdman101]

If you have an Hairdryer try warming the car 13 pin socket and the caravan 13 pin plug as damp may be the problem.

 

[Mr Plodd]

Symptoms of a dodgy connection on one of the light units. I would suggest you take the bulbs out of the rear lights, clean up the contacts (bulb and socket) and see if that fixes the issue.

 

[ProfJohnL]

With Mr Plodd on this one, its usually the 0v dc connections corroding. Disconnect clean and reassemble a squirt of WD40 can help keep things working for longer.

 

[birdman101]

Symptoms of a dodgy connection on one of the light units. I would suggest you take the bulbs out of the rear lights, clean up the contacts (bulb and socket) and see if that fixes the issue.

I think from his profile they will be sealed LED lights

 

[Woodentop]

Looks like a short between pins 5 and 6 on the caravan plug - 5 is offside running lights. 6 is brake lights.

 

[Johnb]

Thanks for suggestions and have already used hairdryer. Will know tomorrow when we move if sorted. Not checked rear light but will have a look if not a sealed unit.
Help appreciated.

 

[toad a caravan]

Could be an earth (-v) fault

 

[Johnb]

Thanks again. Lights are LED and I’ve had a look. Can’t see anything obvious so leaving as is until back in UK. If I’ve been lucky mucking around with lights and hairdryer might have done some good! Will know in morning.
Appreciated

 

[Johnb]

Just an update. No change in problem so leaving as is. Will contact our Service Person when back and hopefully he has the bits and pieces to locate and deal with the issue.
I will get back in due course to outline what was done so maybe others can benefit in the future.