Troubleshooting Trailer Turn Signals that Both Flash When One Side is Applied

Published 09/02/2015

Question:

Hi, I purchased and installed your light converter kit 56146KIT on my 2015 Kia Sorento approximately 2 months ago. I used my cargo carrier that weekend and the lights worked perfect. I have not used it since, but just hooked it up this evening and the lights are not working properly. Both turn signals flash when either the left or right is used. The running lights do not work, but the brakes work. The ground I used for the converter was a self tapping screw into the overlapping sheet metal behind the driver side tail light, as suggested in your video. I used that ground to test the wires going into the converter and they all work as they should. When I test the wires coming out of the converter, they work as follows: Both green and yellow wires flash when either left or right turn signal is used. When running lights are on, the brown wire is lit, but the green and yellow are also very dimly lit. Is this a ground issue or can the converter have gone bad already? Im in a jam because I need to use it this Friday. Please help!!! Thanks

asked by: Ryan

Expert Reply:

Based on the results of you testing the wiring on your 2015 Kia Sorento it sounds like the problem is on the trailer side of the equation. Most likely there is a short somewhere on the wiring that is causing the two turn signals to flash together. Look for exposed wire on both circuits that are touching and/or corrosion on the connector and fix and necessary.

Improving the ground should help the running light circuit as well. Make sure the assemblies are connected to a clean metal surface and you can also try running a jumper cable from the grounds back to the main ground of the trailer harness.

expert reply by: Jameson C