Troubleshooting No Power to Trailer Wiring Harness on 2006 Ford Explorer with Tow Package

Question:

I need to purchase a couple of electrical trailer connectors for my 2006 Ford Explorer with the trailer package. Mine are corroded. I replaced the amp for trailer lights which is the second fuse in the second row from the drivers door to double check and there is still no power going to the factory connector. I have a newer harness but I am not sure if connecting it will work if no power is going to the old one. Is there more than one fuse I should check to see if the existing trailer hook up works?

asked by: Mark B

Expert Reply:

You can test the wiring that leads to your existing factory 7-way using a tester like # PTW2993 to see if the connector itself is the problem, or if the signals are not making it through the Explorer's wiring. Have a helper activate the various lighting functions while you apply the grounded tester to the pins in the round U.S. Car connector.

If you do not detect the correct signals, then you may have to replace or install other fuses to activate the wiring. Check the owner's manual or fuse box cover for a legend that indicates the fuse positions for trailer/towing and install the correct value fuses if they are missing. Some vehicles may have a secondary fuse box inside the passenger compartment in addition to the power distribution box in the engine compartment.

Certainly, a corroded trailer connector is the most likely cause for your issue but testing the wiring will confirm whether the connector or something upstream of it is the cause.

expert reply by: Adam R