GMC Canyon Trailer Connector Not Reading LED Lamp-Equipped Trailer

Updated 09/24/2020 | Published 09/23/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Sealed, 4" Round, LED Trailer Stop/Turn/Tail Light, 3-Function, 10 Diode - Red w/ Clear Lens

(1595)

$15.51

Load Resistor Kit for LED Turn Signals - 50 Watts - 6 Ohm - Qty 2

(36)

$10.11

Question:

I get chronic messages to my dash of my GMC Canyon check trailer wiring then trailer reconnected After multiple trips to different repair guys. Someone says you need to increase your load, the LED doesnt draw enough juice. I bought 2 incandescent amber running lights and am planning to wire them in.

asked by: Bill Z

Expert Reply:

It's hard to speculate, not knowing the model year of your Canyon but I'd be willing to take a guess...

In the most recent model years, truck manufacturers such as Ford and GM have begun using so called 'smart' trailer connectors that will not 'read' a trailer unless the connector senses a draw above a certain load. Using a couple of incandescent bulbs on your running lamp circuit would certainly add to the load, and has provided a solution to this issue for others. Others have had luck installing load resistors like #DI34ZR on the stop/turn lamp circuits on the trailer. Load resistors add resistance to the circuit, making the 'smart' connector think there's an additional load.

expert reply by: Mike L