Troubleshooting 2017 Silverado That Blows A Fuse When Turn Signal Is On And Trailer Is Hooked Up

Updated 08/30/2021 | Published 08/29/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

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$13.43

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

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$1.65

Question:

My truck is fine until I plug in one my trailers I have 4. Everything works until I turn on the right turn signal, then it blows the right trailer turn signal in the trucks fuse box. All of my trailers do this. I have a plug in tester and everything works, its not showing a problem. Its a factory installed plug on a 2017 Silverado. How can I find the problem?

asked by: David P

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since the issue is happening on all four trailers, it is safe to say the issue is on the vehicle side (2017 Silverado). Your passenger side turn signal circuit seems to be shorting out. Since it only has this issue when the trailer is connected, I would start by making sure your vehicle's trailer plug is free of any corrosion or debris, then use your plug-in tester again but this time leave the passenger turn signal on while wiggling the connector and wires behind the connector. If there is no fault then move forward on the truck wiggling the wires every few feet and also check for any exposed or pinched wires. You may need to use a tester like Hook Probe Circuit Tester # PTW2993 to verify voltage in your wires.

This may sound strange, but you could try swapping your turn signal bulbs to make sure the bulb is not causing any resistance / load in the circuit, and at this time you could make sure there is no corrosion or bad connection at the light housing. If you still cannot find the issue then you may need to rewire that circuit with some wire such as 10-gauge wire # 10-1-1 which is sold per foot.

expert reply by: Andrew N