Troubleshooting Trailer Fuses Blowing on a 1992 Toyota Truck When Put in Reverse with a Trailer

Updated 07/23/2014 | Published 07/21/2014

Question:

I have a 1992 Toyota Pickup, just picked up a boat trailer with a flat 4. Plugged it in and the 4 way flashers work, both signals work, and brake lights work on the truck and trailer. As soon as I put the truck in reverse the 10A fuse blows that controls the Automatic transmission overdrive control system, gauges and meters, warning lights etc. As long as I am in Drive everything works fine. What do you think the problem might be?

asked by: Richard

Expert Reply:

Sounds like your taillights and trailer lights are overdrawing your 1992 Toyota Pickup and that is why the fuse is blowing. When you put your truck in reverse you have your foot on the brake which is activating the trailer brake lights as well as the truck brake lights, and then when the reverse lights of the truck come on additional amperage is being pulled and most likely causing the fuse to blow.

What needs to happen is the amperage draw of your trailer needs to be reduced. The easiest way to do this is to convert some (or all) of the trailer lights to LEDs as they draw only a fraction of the amperage that an incandescent bulb will.

expert reply by: Jameson C