Can a Taillight Converter Module Go Bad After Working Properly for Months

Question

Question:

Is it possible for the Circuit Protected Modulite Powered Taillight Converter to go bad? I installed this several months ago and now it does not work. Using a test light, all circuits work beforeinch the converter, but nothing works afterinch the converter

asked by: Tommy S

0

Expert Reply:

It is possible for a taillight converter module to go bad. If your circuit testing shows correct signal inputs to each input pin of the module, but no output from the module, then the module could be blown.

Please refer to the trailer wiring troubleshooting guide attached. This page offers information about the likely causes for a failed module and how to isolate the problem.

Any one of a number of issues can cause failure of a module. If the module suddenly stopped working and there are no visible problems with connectors, it is possible that internal trailer wiring is the source of the problem. Trailer wiring can during normal use rub against internal metal surfaces and eventually lead to a short. A failure of this type provides no warning and a dead short can damage a wiring harness.

A bad ground connection is another common cause for module failure. It is important to check ground connections throughout the circuit, from the converter all the way through to the trailer taillight bulbs. A loose ground connection, or wet or corroded bulbs or bulb sockets could cause failure. Verify that the white ground wire to the module is tightly secured to a bare metal surface or better still to an actual grounding point.

Another potential cause is that your trailer is drawing more amperage than the harness can handle. Depending on the number of lights on your trailer, it is possible that the total current draw exceeds the limit of the TowReady harness, which can handle 4.2 amps for tail lights and 2.1 amps per each stop/turn light. If your trailer has a large number of running lights, for example, you may be pulling too much current. You can test this with a multimeter such as # PT89ZR.

You will want to find and correct the cause for the module failure before installing a new one; otherwise the new module could also fail. I always recommend an application of dielectric grease on all connections to help protect them from moisture.

expert reply by: Adam R

0

Chuck

5/8/2020

Left brake light stays on all the time as soon as trailer is plugged into van

Answer 1

What you will want to do is test the wires going into the box of the Curt Wiring Harness part #C56496 for voltage with a circuit tester like the #PTW2993 to see if there is voltage going into the box when the taillight functions of your vehicle are…

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Answer 2

The most likely scenario that would lead to your right tail light staying on even after it is unplugged is that somewhere along the wires running through your trailer, there is an inadvertent bare connection between your right tail light wire and the…

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Answer 3

Unfortunately a trailer wiring converter module like #118426 can go bad at any time without any notice. It is rare, but can happen. The module has a circuit board that will work great until it doesn't and if that goes, it can do some odd things…

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Answer 4

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Answer 5

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Answer 6

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 7

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 8

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Answer 9

Yes, it will work. You'll just need to cut the Lance 6-pin connector out and rewire it into the etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector item #e99011. Here are the individual functions of that Lance 6-pin:…

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Answer 10

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Answer 11

Yeah, it is definitely a bit to sort through, so I think we can help you out with the right 4-way wiring harness for your 2024 Kia Telluride. We'll start with the easy one, which is if you want to hardwire a 4-way, the model of your Telluride…

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Answer 12

Hi David! There are quite a few hitches offered for your 2026 Honda Odyssey, so I definitely understand wanting to know the differences. There are basically three styles available for you and I have them broken out below: Exposed Crosstube: etrailer…

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Can a Taillight Converter Module Go Bad After Working Properly for Months

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