No Power at Connector of the Factory Tow Wiring Harness on a 1996 Ford Explorer

Updated 10/04/2011 | Published 10/01/2011

Question:

My 96 explorer came with tow package. Im not getting any current through the factory plug. Wires are ok, what should I check to find the problem? Are there relays under the hood, if so which ones could be bad? I dont have a owners manual.

asked by: Tex

Expert Reply:

On your 1996 Ford Explorer you might try checking the fuse panel that is located on the left hand side of the instrument panel facing the drivers side door. Remove the panel by pulling the cover outward. Check the 7.5 amp fuse at the number 3 slot which is for left stop/turn trailer tow connector and check the 7.5 amp fuse at the number 7 slot which is for right stop/turn trailer tow connector.

Also, find the power distribution box located under the under the hood on the drivers side, next to the brake master cylinder. Check the 15 amp relay at the number 30 slot which is for the park lamp/trailer tow relay.

If all of those fuses and relays are working properly and you have checked the wiring I would recommend to have the Ford dealer check your tow package wiring.

The other option is to use the Tow Ready T-One Wiring Harness, part # 118345. This harness is for vehicles without the factory tow package. It would connect inline to the vehicles tail lights and a separate wire would need to be ran to the vehicles positive battery post. I am including a link to the installation instructions on the T-One wiring harness.

expert reply by: Jeff D