Troubleshooting Dim Trailer Lights and Hot Wires From 4-Way on 2006 Ford Van
Updated 01/05/2026 | Published 09/11/2024
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Question:
I installed a 4 flat 56020curt wire harness on my 2006 ford E-350 last year. Every now and then the trailer lights would either get really dim and or go off. One time one my vans running lights went out. When I checked into it the bulb was fine but the connections from the wire harness were extremely hot. I replaced them and the running lights started working again. Trailer lights all functioned properly. And then it went back to its old habits. Checked the wire connections the ground appears to be tight and against fresh metal. But the connections were working but very hot. I drove a trailer that had a 7 way so I bought a cheap converter plugged it into the 4flat and got the trailer home. Just installed the ETBC7 trailer brake kit with charge controller. It seems to be running power to all the correct locations but the lights are really dim. Also the tail lights on my van are really dim and passenger side was not working. Brakes lights were strong. I then checked the wire connections again. Extremely hot. Checked grounds. Followed cables for kinks or damaged wire. Found nothing. Unplugged the 4 flat from the 7pole and vans running lights are working fine. This feels long winded to type all this, but I don’t know what to do next. Any ideas? They’d come back on if I would wiggle the connection. I recently installed the etbc7 installation kit for trailer brakes
asked by: Hayden
Expert Reply:
Hi Hayden; based on what you're describing, and the fact that this started before you installed the # ETBC7, I think it is your 4-way wiring. With the lights getting dim and the wires getting hot I think you're overloading the circuit between the vehicle lights and trailer lights. More than likely you have a wiring harness like the # C56020 without a converter. I would switch to a wiring harness like the # HM11140495 with a powered tail light converter to alleviate the strain on your tail lights.
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Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
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Robin H.
1/5/2026
Hey Hayden, how did things go after switching to the powered wiring harness with the converter? Did that help keep the wires from heating up and get your trailer and van lights back to full brightness? Your update could make it easier for others running into the same issue.