Troubleshooting Inconsistent Trailer Stop/Turn Lights with Curt Wiring on a 2013 Hyundai Accent

Updated 04/28/2020 | Published 04/24/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(15)

$43.22

Cordless Circuit Tester

(15)

$19.26

Question:

I installed the harness in July last year, it is now april the following year and the car had been sitting in my driveway most of the winter unused. I went to use the trailer and the turn signals didnt work. So I tried the running lights/ license light, those do work. So I then unplugged the connector and reattached, then the turn signals did work. I shut the car off, to do some other stuff. I turn the car back on, and the same problem. Running lights work always do, no turn signals. This time I unplug, replug and nothing. I try turning car off/ on, with trailer unpulgged, then plug it back in, and they work. I repeat this turning off/on, lights on/off, many times in many different orders with no pattern forming. All I know is that once the turn signals do start working they seem to be fine until I turn the car off and on. but even then sometimes they do work when car is turned off/on I have no clue what is going on. The ground is perfectly fine, and no wires are loose. Any recommendations?

asked by: Jonathan

Expert Reply:

Thank you for all of the details about troubleshooting the Curt T-Connector # C56254 on your 2013 Hyundai Accent.

Since you said the ground is secured to a clean, bare-metal surface and all of your other wiring looks to be in order it is very possible that the issue is actually on your trailer, but I recommend using a circuit tester # PTW2979 to see whether the power is getting to your 4-Way connector or not. If the tester works fine then the problem is on your trailer, but if it isn't then you may need to use the tester and check out the wiring prior to and after the module box to see where the signal interruption is happening.

Should everything test out just fine on your tow vehicle then you need to check the grounds and wiring connections for your stop/turn lights to make sure everything is in order. If would also be beneficial to look at the 4-Way connectors themselves for any corrosion or debris.

Attached is a helpful article on trailer wiring for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G