Troubleshooting Running Lights Turning On When 2011 Kia Sorento Lights are Off and Vice Versa

Updated 07/02/2010 | Published 07/01/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(1676)

$76.69

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(62)

$13.33

Question:

The signal to the converter from the brown wire is correct - power when vehicle lights are on, no power when vehicle lights are off. However the signal coming out of the converter checked at the flat 4 brown terminal is reversed - power when vehicle lights are off, no power when vehicle lights are on. I did double check and the wiring is routed correct - yellow on drivers side, green on passengers. I also checked to make sure there was power to the converter which there was. Anything else I should check?

asked by: Brian W

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Curt, manufacturer of the # C59236 wiring harness for the 2011 Kia Sorento. He stated that he has not heard of this problem, but there is a test you can perform to help narrow down the problem.

You will need a circuit tester, like part # PTW2993. First, test that brown wire going into the converter for the proper signal. If you find that this signal is incorrect (provides power when the lights are off and vice versa), then there is most likely a wiring problem with the vehicle.

If the signals going in are correct, check the signals coming out of the converter. Again, you will check the brown wire. If you find that the signals are correct going in but incorrect coming out of the converter, then the converter is bad, and it will need to be replaced. See picture of converter to the right that will show the wire colors going into the converter and the wire colors coming out.

Also make sure that you have the plugs with the yellow wire on the driver side and the plugs with the green wire on passenger side. Make sure your connection to the vehicle battery is secure and not pinched anywhere and that it is connected in line to the included fuse and fuse holder, then to the battery. I have included a link to the installation details for reference.

expert reply by: Michael H

click to enlarge

Brian

7/1/2010

Michael H.

7/2/2010

Since the wiring coming out of the converter is wrong the problem is with the converter and it will need to be replaced as there are no internal serviceable parts in the converter.