Brake and Turn Lights Not Working when Trailer is Plugged into the 4-Way on a 2009 Saturn Sky

Question:

I installed the trailer hitch, no problem. But when I installed the 4 wire plug I had problems. The wiring worked as I hooked them up one by one on the rear tail lights of my sky. But when I connected them plug to plug after finishing the wiring, my brake and turnsignals would not work. Actually it seemed like the relay kicked out. Then I shut off everything and turned everything back on the car, with the trailer plug removed, everything worked on the car until I plugged the trailer back in and then the lights, brake and turnsignals would go out again. Do you think the turnsignal relay is not heavy enough for this operation? I plugged the trailer into my f-150s 4 prong plug trailer plug, and everything worked great, so I know the trailer is wired correctly also. I rechecked the wiring on the sky and the wires are correct off the tail lights. The only thing I can think of is the turnsignal relay isnt strong or heavy enough. If so do you sell the heavy duty turnsignal relay? Thanks

asked by: Ken J

Expert Reply:

I would not recommend to replace any of the relays on the 2009 Saturn Sky. If you are having a wiring problem and the relay is activating, it is doing that to protect your vehicles wiring system. You do not want to change the relay and allow more current to get to your wiring system, which could cause major damage. The relay is doing what it was designed for.

It sounds like it is a ground issue with the wiring on your vehicle. You will want to make sure that the white (ground) wire is attached to a good, clean metal surface on the vehicles frame. A wire attached to the body or a surface with undercoating or rust can cause a ground problem.

I spoke with my contact at Draw-Tite and he said that they have not had any problems on the Saturn Sky when using the Draw-Tite # 18252 hardwire kit.

They do offer the option of using a wiring system with a powered converter like the Tow Ready Wiring Harness, part # 119176KIT. This wiring harness kit would attach the same way to your vehicles tail lights, but the difference is that it uses a separate power wire that is run directly to the vehicles battery. This eliminates any draw on the vehicles tail light circuit. It is usually recommended in vehicles with a multiplex wiring system, so it is not a required wiring harness for your vehicle.

I am including a link to a FAQ page on trailing wiring.

expert reply by: Jeff D