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
Products Featured in This Question
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.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Vehicle End Connector
- Converter
- No Tow Package
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- Plug-In
- Visible
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Trailer Wiring Harness with Turn Signals Not Working On 2017 VW Tiguan
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: LCD Digital Circuit Tester
- Q&A: Working Running Lights, But No Turn Signals or Brake Lights On Trailer
- Video: Installing the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness on a 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
- Video: etrailer E Track Small Square Storage Hook Feature Review
- Shop: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Video: Setting up the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
- Q&A: Why Would Right Turn Signal Come on When Left Turn Signal is On for Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Do Converter Boxes on Trailer Wiring Harnesses Ever Go Bad
- Q&A: Trailer Turn Signals Flash Very Dim and Show Inconsistent Voltage
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Trailer Connector Fit for 2017 VW Tiguan
- Shop: Tool Box
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.