Fix Your Caravan Lights

If your caravan’s lights or indicators have stopped working, don’t panic just yet! There are a few quick and easy checks you can do at home before booking a service appointment. In this guide, Aaron from the Adelaide RV Service Centre walks you through a 5-minute fix to help get your lights back in working order.

Step 1: Check for Loose or Faulty Connections

One of the most common causes of indicator or trailer lights working intermittently is a poor connection in the caravan plug.

• Start by giving the plug a gentle wiggle while the lights are on. If you notice the lights flickering on and off, it’s likely that one of the pins in the plug has closed up and isn’t making proper contact with your tow vehicle.

Step 2: Inspect the 12-Pin Plug

Most caravans use a 12-pin plug, and over time, the contacts inside can shift or close up, preventing a proper electrical connection.

• Look closely at the top right pin—this is usually for the left-hand indicator. If it looks like the contacts are too close together, it may be causing your issue.

Step 3: Adjust the Pins

If you’ve identified a closed-up pin, you can fix it easily with a simple household tool:

• Use a Stanley knife, thin screwdriver, or similar tool to gently pry the pin open.
• Be careful not to damage the pin—just create enough space to ensure a snug fit when plugged into your car socket.

Step 4: Check Any Adapters

If you’re using an adapter to connect your caravan to your vehicle, make sure to check its pins as well. Over time, these can also close up, leading to the same issue.

• Inspect both ends of the adapter and adjust any closed pins as needed.

Step 5: Keep Your Pins Clean

Dirt, dust, and corrosion can also cause connection issues. To prevent this:

• Spray the pins with CRC or a similar contact cleaner to remove dust and grime.
• Regular maintenance will help ensure your electrical connections remain in good condition.

When to Book a Service

If you’ve gone through these steps and your lights are still not working, the issue could be more serious. Possible causes include:

• A faulty or broken light on your caravan.
• A break or short in the wiring running from the 12-pin plug to the back of the van.

At this point, it’s best to book your caravan into a service centre for professional diagnostics and repairs.

Final Thoughts

By following these quick troubleshooting steps, you might be able to fix your caravan lights in just five minutes—saving you time and money on a service appointment. Regularly checking and maintaining your plug and connections will also help prevent future issues.

If you’re still experiencing problems, Adelaide RV Service Centre is here to help. Contact us today to book an inspection and get back on the road with confidence!