Can the Converter Box of a Trailer Wiring Harness Short Out

Updated 04/08/2016 | Published 04/06/2016

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Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

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$42.93

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

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$12.88

Question:

I have used one of your t-connectors on my 99 Cherokee Sport for a few years. Recently discovered there is no power to the yellow driver side blinker. Do the converters fail? Thanks!

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

Converter boxes for trailer wiring can become internally damaged if they end up getting shorted out.

What you will want to do is test the wires going into the box of the converter box for voltage with a circuit tester like the # PTW2993 to see if there is voltage going into the box when the taillight functions of your vehicle are applied, and then test the output side of the box to see if the current is making it through the converter. If not then the problem is that the converter box has shorted itself out and would need to be replaced.

Before you replace it you will want to inspect the wiring of your trailer to see if you can find anything that would cause the box to short out like corrosion or cut/exposed wiring. These boxes don't usually go out unless there is a short on the trailer that takes it out.

If there isn't input voltage for the converter then the problem is the wiring of the wiring kit. You will need to check to make sure it's making a solid connection to the correct circuits.

expert reply by: Jameson C