Hopkins Trailer Wiring Harness Not Working on a 2015 Dodge Caravan

Updated 09/25/2017 | Published 09/23/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(85)

$97.13

LCD Digital Circuit Tester

(25)

$26.53

Question:

I suspect there is a problem with the converter module on the Hopkins HM11141995 ..is there a way to test it or replace it?

asked by: Bob K

Expert Reply:

Yes, there is a way to test the converter box from Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector Item # HM11141995 to determine if it is the problem.

You will need a circuit tester such as # PTW2992 or a meter if you have one to perform the test.

The first part of testing is to use the circuit tester or meter to check for power on the wires coming into the converter box from the vehicle. Have someone sit in the vehicle to operate the lights while you test. If everything is good coming in you can move on to the next step. If something is not correct then the issue is either on the vehicle side or there is a bent, corroded, or broken pin where the harness plugs into the vehicle.

If everything is correct going into the converter then the next step is to test the wires on the output (4-Way) side of the converter. So if everything is right going in but not coming out then the issue is within the converter box and the whole harness will need to be replaced.

If everything is correct going in and coming out then the issue is on the trailer; likely a ground or short problem. This sounds like a ground issue. Ground problems normally show up when there is more draw on a system such as when you have the running lights on and then use another function like a turn signal or brake light but can show up any time.

Make sure that the vehicle side and trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside and out. The main connector grounds should be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.

The light grounds should also be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. If there is anything between a light ground and the metal trailer frame or if the trailer has an aluminum frame, tilt bed, or folding tongue, any of these things can interrupt the ground. Running jumper wires from the light grounds to the main trailer connector ground can help.