Troubleshooting License Plate Lights Not Working on 2001 Mazda Tribute with Tow Package

Updated 06/23/2015 | Published 06/21/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Optronics Mini Trailer License Plate Light - Chrome Plated - Incandescent - Rectangle - Clear Lens

(80)

$6.40

Trailer License Plate Light w/ Chrome Housing - Incandescent - Rectangle - Clear Lens

(376)

$8.53

Question:

I have a Rola Dart Rear Cargo Carrier with the Rola 59516 LED Lighting Kit on a 2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 with the factory towing package. The system works great when the 4-wire flat connector is connected to the factory connector mounted under the rear bumper. I need to mount the license plate on the cargo carrier I recently attempted to add license plate lights to the system - I used an Optronics # LP41CB for the lowered position and two Optronics # LP31CB for the raised position. I added a straight 4-wire flat extender cable from the vehicle 4-way connector to the Rola 59516 connector and connected the Optronics lights across the brown and white wires. Initially every thing seemed to test out OK, but on a recent trip, I found that the stop light fuse blew and this resulted in the transmission being locked in the park position. This seems to occur when the vehicle lights are on. . I gather that the Tribute has a three wire system and that I need to convert it to a two wire system. Nevertheless, the brown wire on the Tribute is fed directly from a dedicated fuse for the trailer position lights. I sense I might need a wiring adapter, either the Curt C55255 or the Hopkins 30445. Is this correct? maybe the Optornics LP31 lights are not compatible?

asked by: Tom M

Expert Reply:

The license plate lights should not have anything to do with your fuse blowing or your stop lights. Most likely there is a short blowing your fuse. If you don't locate and repair the short, you will continue to blow up fuses. You'll need to start at the connector and examine it for damage. Then work your way all the way back to the Rola LED Light Kit, checking for pinched wires, loose connections or cracked and worn wire insulation. Fix the short and you should be good to go.

expert reply by: Chris O