No Brake or Turn Signal Functions on Curt Trailer Wiring Harness for a 2004 Ford Escape XLS  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Curt trailer wiring harness # C55255 is designed to fit as long as your 2004 Ford Escape came with the factory tow package. If it did not, even if the connector is present in the vehicle to plug in this harness, it may not be fully functional.

To determine if this is the issue you can use a circuit tester such as # PTW2992 to test the 4-Way. If you only have running lights and no brake or turn signal functions, then this is likely the case. You can try checking the vehicle owner's manual to find any tow package fuse and relay locations to see if anything is missing.

If your Escape does not have a factory tow package you will need to hardwire in a harness using # 46255.

If the vehicle side checks out fine then you likely have a bad ground connection on the trailer. 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.

expert reply by: Michael H

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