Can Corrosion Cause Wiring Malfunctions

Updated 06/29/2017 | Published 06/28/2017

Question:

I have a 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan that I have added a trailer hitch and custom wiring harness to. Recently I have had problems with the lights on the trailer. Initially the lights worked fine. Now the directionals and stop lights do not work. I have replaced the flat plugs on both the car and the trailer. I noticed the white wire and the green wire were corroded within the insulation. What could the cause be? Does this have anything to do with my problem?

asked by: Frank L

Helpful Expert Reply:

The first thing you will want to do is replace any corroded connectors or wires that you see as this will cause your lights to malfunction. Once the corrosion is gone, test the ends on each of the poles coming from the vehicle side trailer connector for proper function while a helper activates each circuit. You can do this by using a circuit tester part # PTW2993.

This should fix your problem however, if it does not, I would be glad to offer further troubleshooting advice if you can tell me what other issues you are experiencing.

expert reply by: Conner L