Troubleshooting Trailer Wiring Where Running Lights Only Work

Question

Question:

I purchased this kit along with the hitch several years ago, I installed the hitch as at the time we only needed to hook up a bike rack. The harness sat in the package in the drawer until last weekend. I installed it as directed. I have adequate power and ground. The signals, hazards and brakes do not work. The running lights turn on when the headlights are on but nothing more. Is there something else to check or do I simply have a faulty part?

asked by: Robert G

0

Expert Reply:

First thing you should do at this point is test the 4-way of the wiring harness with a circuit tester part # PTW2992 for voltage on all of the right pins when the taillight signals are being applied. Just like in the video I attached.

If the voltage checks out there but the trailer lights still don't function right then the problem is on the trailer wiring. That would mean that problem is either due to a ground issue or a short issue.

Make sure that the trailer side connector 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.

If the problem is on the vehicle side then I would first recommend you double check how the harness is installed on your vehicle, make sure all of the connections are good and tight. You should check all towing related fuses and relays as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Answer 1

The converter you have is bad. If the signal going into the converter is good, but coming out of it is bad then the problem is a shorted out converter and it would need to be replaced. Before you replace it you will want to inspect the wiring of your…

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Answer 2

There's a slight possibility that the ground could be causing the problem, but it's morel likely that the T-Connection of the #C56331 on the driver's side isn't fully connected. You'll need to make sure that connection is fully…

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Answer 3

Sometimes the issue you are having is simply just the connectors not fitting tight enough for the connection to be made. Unplugging and reconnecting the setup sometimes fixes this. After you try that use a circuit tester to test the brown wire coming…

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Answer 4

The first thing you will need to do is make sure all of the connections are being firmly made from the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C56331 to your 2011 Chrysler Town and Country. If every connector is making a good connection, you will…

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Answer 5

If your trailer lights are working correctly with another vehicle then the wiring kit you got might need to be replaced. Reason being if the vehicle lights on your 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan are working just fine then that means the tee connectors on…

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Answer 6

The issue you described is likely attributed to the t-one connectors installed on the wrong side of the vehicle. The connector with the green and white wire goes on the passenger side and the connector with the brown and yellow wire goes on the…

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Answer 7

The problem you are having is a classic ground issue. If the ground wire to the trailer frame or the tail light grounds are not connected securely to clean, rust and paint free surfaces then when the headlights are turned the extra amperage draw for…

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Answer 8

The most likely cause for the turn signals not to work when the running lights are on with your trailer is a bad or weak ground. It's very possible that a weak ground connection can be just strong enough to allow sufficient current for some…

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Answer 9

It sounds like there could be a ground issue and also a short somewhere along the trailer that is causing the lights to turn on when the ignition is off. A bad or weak ground can lead to a variety of strange issues. I first recommend checking that…

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Answer 10

The first thing I would recommend is checking the owner's manual of your 2014 Honda Ridgeline Sport to see what it says about using a weight distribution hitch. In general, a WDH is recommended if your trailer weight is more than 50% of your…

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Answer 11

This sounds like either a ground problem or a loose or broken wire causing your problem. First, you will need to check for a proper ground at the connector and at each light. The taillights are grounded through the mounting bolts. I have included a…

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Answer 12

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Troubleshooting Trailer Wiring Where Running Lights Only Work

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