Troubleshooting Wiring Harness Issues On A 2012 Honda Odyssey

Updated 09/01/2022 | Published 08/31/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(23)

$69.33

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$12.41

Question:

Installed last year, worked on installation, but haven’t needed it since. Tested trailer lights today and found the lights working inconsistently. Checked all trailer wiring and verified with 12v from marine battery. At 4 pin bar, I read 13.8vdc on the running light circuit with running lights on. Whether brake lights are on or off or indicators are on or off, I read about 7vdc at both L and R indicator circuits. Sometimes both indicators will flash weakly with either the L or R indicator on, and sometimes not. Checked all harness wiring and fuses, and tried relocating ground wire. Help!

asked by: Jayson

Expert Reply:

With both indicators flashing weakly it sounds that there could be a ground wire problem. You will want to locate the ground wire and make sure that it is secured tightly to a paint and debris free surface, on both your trailer and vehicle. You can also remove it completely and clear the area that is is connected to with sandpaper or steel wool to make sure there is not anything built up on the surface of the trailer frame where the wire is grounded.

If that doesn't work I would use The Hook Probe Circuit Tester # PTW2993 and see if you can identify a short in the fuses and also test each connection of the harness. It could be that your wiring is about to fail and you would just need to repurchase a new harness.

I attached a review video link below.

expert reply by: Noah E