Can you Bypass a Shorted Out Converter Box Trailer Wiring Circuit

Question

Question:

I have a Draw Tight converter, #18958. I have power entering the converter on the tail light wire brown but no power out the other side of the converter, tail light ONLY. Is there any reason I could not jumper around the converter, to get power to the brown wire? Thanks,

asked by: Ron C

0

Expert Reply:

Sounds like your converter has shorted out. However, since the running light circuit signal does not need to be converted it can potentially bypass a converter box. Most likely a short on the trailer's wiring is responsible for the box shorting out so you would want to inspect the wiring of the trailer to find the short first. Look for any cut or exposed wire and fix as necessary.

Also, if the converter you have has a wire that runs up to the positive terminal of the battery it is a powered unit and then I would not recommend running the running lights straight from your vehicle taillights since that would potentially damage your vehicle wiring.

Your best option would be to go with a # 119250KIT to replace your current box.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Lee

9/28/2025

James I have a 2006 Lexus I have power from my woreing harness but still can’t get any trailer lights could you lead me in the right direction please

Jameson C.

9/29/2025

@Lee Have you tried cleaning the pins of the 4-way? A dirty ground circuit pin is typically what causes this issue. I also attached a help article on trailer wiring troubleshooting for you to check out as well.

Helpful Links

faq-4-5-way-troubleshooting.aspx

Answer 1

Hey Tom, that is odd that the running light circuit of the Curt trailer wiring part #C56400 isn't working but when converter boxes fail they oftentimes do things like this. For this circuit the converter box basically is just using the running…

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Answer 2

For an aftermarket 4-way trailer wiring kit that fits your 2000 Toyota 4Runner you'd want the Tekonsha #118341 which plugs into the taillight connectors of your vehicle.

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Answer 3

I am not sure what vehicle you have, or the particular wiring harness you have installed, but most likely a heavy duty flasher is not necessary for the turn signals to properly illuminate on the trailer. What you are describing sounds like a possible…

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Answer 4

It is likely that the red wire on your old lights is the turn signal/brake light wire, and the black wire is the running light wire. That would make the white wire the ground. You can verify this by testing the wires using a circuit tester such as…

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Answer 5

It sounds like your Bargman LED Double Tail Light was working before and now is no longer working. I would go ahead and check the wiring on the back of the light using a circuit tester like the #PTW2993 to make sure it is getting power. If the wiring…

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Answer 6

Thanks for the information on your trailer. For your axle with brakes I recommend the Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb and 6,000-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2 #AKHD-655-6-EZ-K if you have the spindles with the integrated grease…

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Answer 7

With having a Curt Upgraded Circuit Protected Powered Tail Light Converter #C59496 on your vehicle you will not be able to connect your vehicle and trailer wiring directly. The converter reduces draw on the factory wiring and send power to the…

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Answer 8

If a converter box is blown then it will need to be replaced because there are no user serviceable parts inside. To determine if a converter is bad you will want to test the wires going into the box and the wires coming out with a circuit tester like…

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Answer 9

Since you didn't have an issue until the trailer was plugged in I doubt it is an issue with your Toyota. I also do not know what the extent of the smoke was. I would say start by checking the connection on your trailer. Especially if it was just…

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Answer 10

You could cut the old converter box out of your #C56164 and then install the converter box of part #C56496 in it's place. Normally we recommend to check the trailer wiring for any shorts and fix as necessary before connecting new trailer wiring…

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Answer 11

Because the 8-14.5 tire that you've got sits on a 14.5" wheel, so you wouldn't be able to switch tire sizes with anything that we have available without also switching to a new wheel as well. If you've got a 6 on 5-1/2" bolt…

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Answer 12

We have one option that will work for you. The Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 4,400-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 10" Diameter - 6 on 5-1/2 #8-407-5UC3-EZ uses inner bearing #L68149 and outer bearing #LM67048 so it would work perfectly on your spindle.…

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Can you Bypass a Shorted Out Converter Box Trailer Wiring Circuit

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