Trailer Wiring on a 1997 Ford Explorer Stopped Working  

Question:

Expert Reply:

If the Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, # 118345, was working on your 1997 Ford Explorer but then suddenly stopped working, the first thing I would check is the fuse that came with the converter. The power wire should be connected to the vehicle battery via the fuse and fuse holder. If you find that fuse is blown you will need to replace it.

However, if there was a short on the trailer wiring, trailer side, or corrosion in the connectors on either side, it could blow the fuse again.

Loss of a ground connection could also be the issue. Make sure the converter is attached to a clean metal surface.

If your Explorer came with a factory tow package that included a wiring harness, you would need # 118241 as a replacement. If the factory harness stopped working, you can check the owners manual for a legend that shows where fuses/relays are for the tow package wiring to determine if those need to be replaced.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

Bruce P.

8/16/2025

So I plugged in a brand new OE 4 wire flat into my factory trailer plug on my 1997 Explorer. Ground, running lights, left turn signal all work. The green wire is dead. The yellow responds to blinking brakes and 4 way. Green does not. I checked further up the wire and it is dead prior to the connector as well. Lights on the vehicle work fine just not current transfer to the green wire

Jon G.

8/18/2025

@BruceP Just so I understand correctly, the lights on your Explorer are all working, but not all of the functions on your trailer plug are active? Have you checked all of the fuses and relays related to trailer wiring?

Bruce P.

8/18/2025

@JonG Thank you for responding to me. Shortly after writing I started checking every fuse and relay in the vehicle. I did not find any bad ones but I did pull some out and reinstall them. I went back to retest and current was present in all wires. At first I got nothing with either brakes or turn but now it all works. Thank you

Jon G.

8/18/2025

@BruceP Glad to hear you were able to get it figured out!