Troubleshooting Smoke and Melting Trailer Wiring on a 2002 Jeep Liberty After 4-Way Install
Updated 09/29/2014 | Published 09/28/2014 >
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Looking to Purchase Trailer Wiring Harness for my Jeep Liberty- Question is-When I purchased my Jeep Used, There was one already on there But Not Plugged into Lights in Rear- When I plugged it In It started Smoking on my drivers side Taillight, And Then It started blowing fuses-Question is The one that was on there Didnt have the Wire going too the Battery-nothing at all -is that the reason why It did what it did-Is it necessary to Have the ONE with the extra wire coming out of Converter-to go to The battery for Power?? Please Let me know Thanks
asked by: Alan
Expert Reply:
Most likely the problem you described is from a short on the trailer wiring. Running a powered converter is a great idea as it protects the taillight circuits of the vehicle it is installed on. But if you are seeing smoke, melted wire, and fuses blowing immediately the problem is a short somewhere on the wiring that is WAY overdrawing the circuits.
If the smoke started after plugging the harness into your trailer then the problem is the trailer wiring, if the smoke started after plugging the harness into your vehicle then the problem is the harness itself. Either way you will need to inspect the wiring looking for any cut or exposed wire touching bare metal and fix as necessary.
I attached an FAQ on 4-way installs for you to check out as well.
For a replacement harness I would go with the # 118524 that you referenced since it is circuit protected.

Product Page this Question was Asked From
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Vehicle End Connector
- Powered Converter
- No Tow Package
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- Plug-In
- Visible
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Kenda 205/65-10 Bias Trailer Tire with 10" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range E
- Q&A: Trailer Ground Wire Gets Hot and Smokes when Connected to Dodge Truck
- Q&A: Wiring Needed to Flat Tow and Tow a Trailer with a 2004 Jeep Liberty
- Q&A: Can I Install A Tow Bar Wiring Harness And A Trailer Wiring Harness At The Same Time?
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2005-2007 Jeep Liberty Behind RV
- Q&A: How Do You Determine If a 2006 Jeep Liberty Has the Tow Package Wiring?
- Q&A: Wiring Harness Recommendation for a 2004 Jeep Liberty Without a Tow Package
- Q&A: Looking For 7-Pin Round Plug For 2005 Jeep Liberty