Only Trailer Turn Signals Work on Trailer Wiring Harness for a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Question:

Hopkins 42535 wiring kit. Installation was straightforward. However, trailer does not have brake, tail, or 4-way flasher lights. Turn signals only. Trailer lights function properly on another vehicle. Please advise.....

asked by: Lee R

Expert Reply:

The first thing I would check are any fuses or relays related to the factory trailer wiring connection point of the 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Use the owners manual to find their locations. Since this vehicle could have come with a factory tow package, it is possible the fuses are not there or need to be replaced.

You can also check where you have plugged in the connector to see if there are any bent pin or if the factory side is dirty or corroded.

Test the wires going into the converter with a circuit tester like # 3808. If the signals are correct going in but there is nothing coming out then the converter is bad and it will need to be replaced.

Also, if the trailer draws more that 2.1 amps per side for stop and turn signals and/or more than 4 amps total for running lights, it will blow the converter.

expert reply by: Michael H