Trailer Lights Always On With 2015 Toyota RAV4

Updated 04/09/2021 | Published 04/07/2021

Question:

I have a brand new trailer and new hitch. When I plug in the trailer the running lights come on whether the ignition is on or not. They stay on after the keys are taken out. I did not install the trailer or system. I have a 2015 RAV4. Smoke say it is a setting issue with Toyota’s.

asked by: Jim H

Expert Reply:

There are some vehicles that the running lights will stay on for a period of time after removing the key until after the doors are locked. It is a setting that can be changed on most vehicles. It's basically a courtesy light feature that when you unlock your doors with the remote the running lights will come on to help you see the vehicle and around it. The same happens when you remove the key and exit the vehicle to allow you to see around the vehicle. This usually will last 30 seconds to a minute after the vehicle door is closed and locked.

If your lights are staying on beyond that you may have a damaged convertor box or improperly wired wiring harness. If the trailer lights are on when the vehicle lights are off then the problem is surely with the harness. If that is the case you can look at replacing the T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness # C56350.

Hopefully this will have taken care of your issue, if not please let me know what you have checked and how the lights are reacting.

expert reply by: Bud M