Trailer Right Brake/Turn Light Not Working Using Trailer Wiring Harness on 2006 Toyota Highlander

Updated 09/09/2013 | Published 09/05/2013

Question:

I purchased item 118248 from you back in 2009 for my 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid w/tow package, and it has worked fine until recently. Now the right passenger side brake/turn signal light is not working. The parking lights are fine, and I put a test light on the 4-pin connector to the trailer, and only the left side is receiving a signal. I double checked the module to make sure it was still plugged in and found nothing wrong. Is there anything else I can check, or is the module possibly faulty?

asked by: Scott C

Expert Reply:

The most likely case is that the box has kicked the bucket and will need to be replaced. Since you are not getting power to the right turn/brake pin on the 4-Way, test the corresponding wire on the input side leading into the converter. If there is no power there either than you will want to check the turn signal fuse or relay for the vehicle. Find it using the owners manual.

You can also trying moving the ground wire to a different location.

If the issue occurred because of a short on the trailer you will want to fix it before installing a new wiring harness. Check the trailer connector for any dirt or corrosion. Then make sure the main trailer connector ground and the grounds for all of the lights are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.

Then inspect the wiring on the trailer. Look for any breaks in the wiring with exposed copper strands that may be touching bare metal. I have included a link to an FAQ article that might also help you.

expert reply by: Michael H