Troubleshooting Trailer Running Lights that Turn Off after 3-5 Seconds
Question:
I purchased a harness c59236, and had it installed it in my 2006 Passat. All of the connections check out fine on my circuit tester. However, the running lights brown wire, immediately next to the white ground on the connection to the trailer act oddly when I turn on the cars rear lights, the trailer running lights come on for about 3-5 secs, and then go out. Al the other circuits flasher, brake, etc. are working great. I know the trailer is working fine, because its AOK when I hook it up to another vehicle. Any thoughts on what this might be? Thanks
asked by: Kirk M
Expert Reply:
It's possible that you are drawing too much amperage on the running light circuit of the part # 118562 that you installed. The running light circuit can only draw up to 7.5 amps so if you have a lot of running lights/clearance lights on your trailer you could be asking too much of the converter box.
First thing I would try is finding a new place for the ground circuit of the harness. Improving the ground could potentially help as well.
If you test the running light circuit of the 4-way on your vehicle, does it show 12 volts? If so, then that would be a pretty good indicator that you are drawing too much. Going with LED trailer lights might be your best solution since they draw much less than incandescent lights. I attached a link to a page that has all of the LED lights we offer as well as a couple help articles for you to check out.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Vehicle End Connector
- Powered Converter
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- Splice-In
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Hopkins Tow Doctor Vehicle End Test Unit
- Shop: Hopkins Tow Doctor Trailer End Test Unit
- Search Results: tester
- Q&A: Trailer Tail Lights Come On for a Few Seconds then Shut Off with a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Q&A: Troubleshooting 2017 Ford F-250 Error Message for Trailer Lighting Module
- Shop: Pack'Em Rack for Open Utility Trailers - Holds 3 Trimmers, 1 Blower, 1 Line Spool, 1 Cooler
- Q&A: Wiring New 4-Way Connector on Trailer with 5 Wires
- Shop: Trailer Connector Adapter w/ Lamp-Out Sensor Bypass - 7-Way RV to 7-Way RV - Vehicle End
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Trailer Running Lights Do Not Work but Brake Lights and Turn Signals Do Work
- Video: Mount: 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation on a 2023 Kia Telluride
- Video: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter Installation - 2023 Kia Telluride
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Trailer Running Lamp Circuit on 2020 Chevy 1500
- Q&A: Recommended Adapter To Allow 2020 GMC Sierra To Detect LED Trailer Lights
- Search Results: 7 way bracket
- Q&A: Is 16 Gauge Wire Adequate for Trailer Wiring for Lighting
- Search Results: etbc7l
- Shop: No-Drill Mount for Electrical Mounting Bracket - Short
- Shop: Curt No-Drill Bracket for 6-Way or 7-Way Round Trailer Connector Mounting Bracket - Long
- Shop: Mounting Bracket and Installation Hardware - Pollak 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector - Vehicle End
- Search Results: 59236
- Search Results: 7 way trailer wiring kit
- Search Results: c59236
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Finding the Right Trailer Wiring Harness
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
on Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
