Trailer Wiring Harness Taillight Converter is Blowing Fuse on 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan

Updated 08/20/2020 | Published 08/18/2020

Products Featured in This Question

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

(681)

$73.94

Question:

Hi I have a Curt trailer light wiring harness installed in a 2015 dodge Caravan. It worked fine for three years, but recently it wouldnt work and I discovered that the fuse attached to the power wire that runs from the battery to the converter at the rear of the car was blown. I replaced it and the new fuse blew in about three seconds with the car turned off and the trailer and lights not attached. I carefully examined all of the wires, including the power wire, and cleaned the ground that attaches to the car and then put in another new fuse. It also blew in about three seconds. Any idea what the problem could be? Bad power wire? Bad converter? Something else? Thanks, S. Matthews

asked by: Sidney M

Expert Reply:

The converter has most likely shorted out and needs to be replaced. This will typically occur when one of the lighting circuits on the trailer shorts out, but you can certainly begin by examining that power feed to the converter box from the battery.

If that power feed checks out okay, you'd want to replace the existing converter with part # C56331. On the trailer, trace each of the lighting circuits from the trailer connector back to the lamps. Look for loose connections, broken or pinched wires and cracked or worn wire insulation that would allow the copper wire to short out on the trailer frame. Once the short is located and repaired, you can then replace the converter wiring harness.

I've linked to an install video for the wiring harness/converter and a trailer wiring troubleshooting article you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L