2007 19H porch light out, where do I start?

[brockeverly]

The porch light is out on my 2007 19H. Bulb is fine and it even worked once when I first brought it home. I am unsure where to begin on the wiring to figure out what is wrong. Has anyone else had a similar issue? Should I try a bulb even though the filament looks good on it?

[tnchuck100]

Do what is simple first. Take a bulb from another fixture in the camper and try it. That will eliminate the bulb. Check for corrosion on the contacts. Pull the panel where the switch is. Is there voltage getting to the switch and leaving it when you turn it on? If that is true then you likely have a bad ground for the light. Remove the light and trace the ground wire and clean where it connects to the frame.

[chipper]

Originally Posted by tnchuck100

Do what is simple first. Take a bulb from another fixture in the camper and try it. That will eliminate the bulb. Check for corrosion on the contacts. Pull the panel where the switch is. Is there voltage getting to the switch and leaving it when you turn it on? If that is true then you likely have a bad ground for the light. Remove the light and trace the ground wire and clean where it connects to the frame.

X2

The multimeter is your friend.

[brockeverly]

No power going to the bulb, I have no clue how it was on the first night. There has to be a series of switches that will turn it on and I am missing something.

[Jagiven]

First have you confirmed there is power to the back side of the switch? Remember that the 12V system is wired like old Knob and Tube in an old house. The neutral (aka ground) will not be near the switch, so you will need to ground to something like stove exhaust hood, when doing your test.

Have you confirmed you have a good ground from the light to the trailer frame? Grounds can be a pain to diagnose.

Being a used trailer; I wonder if the previous owner rewired the outside light, because they kept forgetting to turn it off at night. If they did, your idea of a series of switches would make sense. First try turning on every 12V electrical item. If the light works then turn one item off at a time. I would bet if you are correct, the kitchen cabinet light will control the outside light.

[mtn_bikers]

probably a dumb question ...but...did you make sure the fuze going to that light was ok?

[exjay1]

after the bulb shows fine, check the 12v fuse, if blown possible short somewhere in the wiring. if thats the case start with the wiring at the switch and trace back from there. keep us updated.