Replacing Damaged Wiring Harness On A 2016 Jeep Patriot

Updated 01/19/2026 | Published 08/03/2024

Question:

I just re-worked a Curt T-connector trailer lighting harness on my son’s Patriot. We got it from etrailer several years ago, and it worked fine after installation. I recently found the 4-wire pigtail smashed and broken near the hitch. Fuse on the power wire to the converter was blown, just like it should have been. After splicing on a new pigtail to the 4 flat connector, changing the fuse and cleaning up the other wiring, we have steady power to the yellow/green leads with nothing on in the vehicle. Any ideas? Or did the damage to the 4-wire maybe hurt the converter? It appears that plugging a trailer in will have it show brake lights all the time it’s plugged in…

asked by: Wilson C

Helpful Expert Reply:

Hello Wilson, thanks for reaching out. It definitely sounds like the converter is damaged. While this is rare, it is not entirely unheard of, especially when the wiring harness sustained damage like you described. At this point your best option will be to replace the wiring harness entirely. My suggestion is to go with the Tekonsha # 118552 harness for the 2016 Jeep Patriot. The Tekonsha harnesses are known to be more durable and usually last a good bit longer than the Curt.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Jesse M.

1/19/2026

Hey Wilson, how did things turn out after switching to the Tekonsha wiring harness on your Patriot? It’d be great to know if that solved the constant brake light issue. Your update could make it easier for others dealing with damaged trailer wiring.