iPA LIGHT RANGER MUTT 9101 - Troubleshooting; Common Problems and Causes

9
TROUBLESHOOTING
The Ranger MUTT
®
is an analog trailer tester designed to help conrm trailer wiring con-
guration, proper amperage draw, functioning lights, electric brake operation and proper
ground connections. Keep in mind that many electrical problems are the direct result of a
bad ground connection. By maintaining tight, clean and sealed ground connections, you
can eliminate guesswork and improper diagnosis.
We also provide industry-standard wiring diagrams to help you with trailer repairs. The
Ranger MUTT
®
is wired to meet the accepted standard wiring congurations for the
industry. Trailers which are improperly wired or wired to “personal” specications may
render the Ranger MUTT
®
less effective.
Ranger MUTT
®
does not turn on. Verify the power LED is illuminated. Check
battery connections and charge the battery
if needed.
First, verify that the Ranger MUTT
®
power
stays on when power is applied to the
trailer. A low battery will power the Ranger
MUTT
®
, but when power is sent to the
trailer, the load may cause the Ranger
MUTT
®
to shut down. Check for faulty op-
erating trailer lights, wiring, ground, battery
polarity, etc.
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE
Ranger MUTT
®
is on, but trailer lights do
not light up.
Wrong circuit is powered on trailer. The trailer is not wired to standard
specications. If possible, rewire trailer
connector to match the Ranger MUTT
®
diagrams.
Trailer electric brakes often do not make
noise when engaging. You must safely jack
up the trailer and spin the wheel while ap-
plying the brake to verify proper operation.
Another method is to check amperage load.
Most electric brakes draw approximately
1.5 amps per wheel. Check manufacturer
specications for additional information.
The trailer has crossed wires, or one termi-
nal has two wires connected at the pin.
Check battery connection and voltage. The
Ranger MUTT
®
’s auto-resetting thermal
circuit breaker trips in overload and short
circuit conditions. The Ranger MUTT
®
is
designed for a maximum output of 10A DC
@ 12-volts. If a trailer circuit exceeds this
draw or there is a short circuit, the Ranger
MUTT
®
’s auto-resetting thermal circuit
breaker will continue to pulse with power
until the issue is resolved.
I do not hear the trailer’s electric brakes
engaging.
One circuit powers two sets of lights.
The Power LED keeps turning off
and on again.