Trailer Lights Not Working with T1 Trailer Wiring Harness on a 2005 Dodge Durango

Published 05/21/2012

Question:

I purchased the Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring for the 2005 Durango by Dodge 118390 late last year and have finally had a chance to use it only to discover I had no lights at all on the trailer. Using another vehicle I was able to get the lights working on the trailer so I can only assume something is wrong with the wiring harness. Can you provide some areas to check and what I should be seeing from the 4 pin connector coming from the vehicle? If I use my ohm meter which lines should I be checking and what should I be seeing for voltage?

asked by: Jason H

Expert Reply:

The first thing you will want to check on the T1 harness # 118390 for the 2005 Dodge Durango is the power wire connection. If this harness is not connected to the positive terminal of the vehicle battery then it will not function. Also, the fuse that comes with it must be in place. You can also check to see if the fuse is intact.

Next, move on to testing the wires that go into the converter box from the vehicle. The red power wire should have at least 12 volts. The green and yellow wires should show about the same when the turn signals are turned on. The red wire (on the left side) should show about 12 volts when the running lights are on and/or brakes applied. Make sure the white ground wire is attached to a clean, bare metal surface. Moving the ground might also help.

If any of these wires is not functioning, showing no power, and everything is connected according to the instructions, see links, then there is something wrong on the vehicle side.

If the wires are correct going in, test the wiring coming out. The green and yellow wires will show power when the turn signals are on and when you step on the brakes. The brown wire will show power from the running lights. If any of these wires are incorrect then there is a problem with the converter and it will need to be replaced.

expert reply by: Michael H