Trailer Lights Work for a While then Stop Using Trailer Wiring Harness on a 2012 Jeep Patriot

Published 10/21/2014

Question:

Hi I have install TWO Curt T-Connectors part # C56333 for my Jeep Patriot 2012. Both of them work for a short time, then they shorted out. I had the trailer lights ck. out before I put the second unit in they are all right. I ck and ck all the wire,s I think that the jeep wiring has something to do with it. I know that in my fuse box I have a 20 amp fuse for a trailer. why I do not know why. before I purchase another unit I want to find out what is shorting out the unit. when the unit stops working the only light that works on the trailer is the right tail light and that light stays on all the time help help thanks

asked by: Paul

Expert Reply:

There are a couple of things that could be causing the problem you are having with trailer wiring on your 2012 Jeep Patriot. First, if the trailer has a lot of lights then it is possible that they draw more power than the harness and/or the vehicle is rated for.

A dirty or corroded trailer connector could be causing a short and that could cause this problem as well.

If the right light is the only one that comes on, but it stays on, that to me sounds like a short and/or possible ground issue. A short could be from a frayed wire touching metal, perhaps in a splice or some out of the way place where a wire is pinched.

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. I have included a link to the right that might help as well.

expert reply by: Michael H