Brake Lights Would Not Work with Trailer Wiring Plugged Into a 1996 Ford Ranger

Updated 07/05/2012 | Published 07/02/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Powered Tail Light Converter w/ 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit

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$168.39

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

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$13.14

Question:

for just a wiring kit for my ford ranger immediately plugged in brake lights would not work all

asked by: Rodney S

Expert Reply:

The correct trailer wiring harness for a 1996 Ford Ranger is # 118325 (does not fit GT models). If this is the harness, you are using use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to test the wires going into the converter. If the signals on the wires are correct going into the box but they are not correct coming out to the 4-Way, then something is wrong inside the converter, and it will need to be replaced.

If all of the other lights are working, then you could have a bad ground on the trailer side. The main ground from the connector and the grounds for all of the lights need to be connected to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.

Make sure that the trailer and vehicle side connectors are also free of corrosion.

expert reply by: Michael H