Trailer Wiring Harness Troubleshooting for a 2009 Ford Escape

Updated 08/05/2011 | Published 08/04/2011

Question:

2009 Ford Escape I purchased this,not from you, used it about 2 times and it quit working in 10 months, So I switched to drawtight version, and have been through 3 of these in about 11 months. I installed them and test they work properly. After beeing on my Escape for 2 weeks, never hooked up to a trailer it quit working, checked with a test light. I had my ford dealer check my electrical its good. Do these have a problem,could I be missing something? I need to know what to check before I purchase another one. Thanks

asked by: Ron M

Expert Reply:

Usually in situations where the wiring harness/converter has gone bad it is just due to a short from the trailer or a bad converter. But when it happens this often and with more than one brand, something else is going on.

First, we need to make sure you are getting the correct harnesses. Both the CURT harness, # C56329, and the Tow Ready, # 118430, are designed for the 2009 Ford Escape WITHOUT tow package. If your Escape has a tow package, you would need # 118251.

If you have a tow package and have been using the Draw-Tite, # 118251. I would check any fuses/relays related to the towing package, and check the connection point for any dirt or corrosion that may be causing a short leading to the harness to fail.

The other two harnesses could be suffering from a similar problem. Check the connection points and clean out any dirt/corrosion. The converter box needs to be grounded to a clean bare metal surface. Make sure that the power wire is connected to the in line fuse holder and fuse, and then attached to the positive battery terminal. No other 12 volt circuit should be used. When the 4-Way is not being used, make sure the cover is on it to keep out moisture and dirt.

What I think is happening is something is causing a short circuit, whether it is corrosion in a connection point, something drawing power from the 4-Way, or faulty power connection and causing the converter to fail. If you have not tried the Tow Ready Harness, # 118551, I would go with it, making sure to consider all of the things I have mentioned above.

I have included links to the installation details for you to view.

expert reply by: Michael H