Repeat Malfunctions with a T-One Harness for a 2007 Ford Escape

Updated 02/15/2013 | Published 01/17/2010

Question:

I have installed this unit twice correctly on my 2007 Ford Escape and both times the unit worked fine. Then after the third or fourth use there would be a problem. The first time I had no brake lights or signal lights. I got a new unit under warranty and replaced it. All connections were made properly and all was working fine. Then about a week ago I hooked up ny trailer and the left brake light stayed on and when the vehicle was shut off the light stayed on. I disconnected the trailer and checked the plug and found that it was feeding power through it. Could this be the second faulty module or do you hav any ideas? Thanks

asked by: Jim S

Expert Reply:

It is possible, though very remote, that you had two faulty units. However, having two units back to back that die that quickly leads me to believe something is going on with the trailer lighting and wiring. I wonder if your trailer is demanding more power than the Modu-Lite can provide and is burning up the boxes and causing malfunctions.

First check to make sure the fuse in the fuse-holder is still good. How many lights are on the trailer? Side markers and tail/turn/brake lights? Check the wiring on the lights and make sure all the connections are good and clean. Frayed or nicked wires could be causing a short that burns up the Modulite box. The Modulite harness for your Escape can handle about 8 amps of lights, if you have more than that, it could be over-drawing power.

expert reply by: Patrick B

Bill T.

2/9/2013

I had the same issue with my wiring harness and I have practically the smallest trailer out there. 6 light bulbs total and the system cannot handle that load. So now in addition to the harness I have to replace all the lighting on my trailer with LEDs. Very disappointed with this harness and its capabilities.

Patrick B.

2/15/2013

There is another option. The 118426 can handle a little over 8 amps, which is adequate for most trailers that are in the size range that is appropriate for an Escape to tow. But some trailers have more lights and will exceed that 8 amp limit. One options is to replace the lights with LEDs or remove excess lights. The other option is to upgrade the converter box. You can cut the old box that came with the 118426 and replace it with a 119190. This is a heavier duty converter and you will just need to match the color wires and note which is input and output. The 119190 has a total capacity of 15.9 amps. That breaks down to 7.5 amps for the tail lights and 4.2 amps per side for the brake/turn signals.