Should Charge Light Stay Lit on Tow Ready Breakaway System when Disconnected from Tow Vehicle

Updated 08/25/2014 | Published 08/23/2014

Question:

should the charging light stay on all the time even when unhooked from trailer

asked by: Fred R

Helpful Expert Reply:

No, the charging light on the Tow Ready breakaway system should turn off if it is not getting a charge from the vehicle.

If it stays lit up that could indicate a short somewhere that is drawing power. It could be due to corrosion in the trailer side connector. Make sure the trailer side connector is clean and free of corrosion inside and out. Check all connections for any loose or pinched wires/connections or frayed wires that might be touching bare metal.

It could also be a ground issue. Ground problems normally show up when there is more draw on a system such as when you have the running lights on and then use another function like a turn signal or brake light.

Make sure that the vehicle side and trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside and out. The main connector grounds should be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.

The light grounds should also be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. If there is anything between a light ground and the metal trailer frame or if the trailer has an aluminum frame, tilt bed, or folding tongue, any of these things can interrupt the ground. Running jumper wires from the light grounds to the main trailer connector ground can help.

If none of this helps then it is likely a problem with the push to test wiring of the system or the wiring elsewhere in the breakaway system.

expert reply by: Michael H