Can a Blown Trailer Wiring Harness Converter Box be Repaired or Does it Have to be Replaced
Updated 10/13/2024 | Published 07/15/2012
Question:
are damaged converter box scrap & need replacing ?
asked by: Rick
Expert Reply:
If a converter box is blown then it will need to be replaced because there are no user serviceable parts inside. To determine if a converter is bad you will want to test the wires going into the box and the wires coming out with a circuit tester like # PTW2993 if needed.
If the signals are correct going in but wrong coming out, then the converter is bad and will need to be replaced. I have included a link to a video that might help.
You will want to determine what caused the converter to go bad. First, check for shorts on the trailer. Any wires to the trailer lights that might have exposed wires touching bare metal on the trailer frame. Also check the trailer connector for corrosion.
Next check the main trailer ground and the grounds for each light and make sure they are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.
Another possible cause of a blown converter is too much amperage draw for what the wiring harness, # 118379, is rated for. It is rated for 2.1 amps maximum for stop/turn lights per sdie and 4.2 amps total for running lights.
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Justin
10/13/2024
I left one wire disconnected to the last tail light in the circuit so the lights didn’t come on when first testing the newly installed trailer light kit. After I connected the forgotten plug all the lights functioned on the car, but not the trailer with the new light kit. I have an extra converter box but I haven’t tried it yet.