Troubleshooting and Repairing Malfunctioning Turn Signals on Trailer Towed by 2006 Ford Escape
Question:
I have a 2006 Ford Escape Limited 4x4 that did not come with the hitch installed. I installed the trailer adapter order from Etrailer. I have towed trailers before with no problem recently purchased one and rewired it. I checked the lights and were only getting running lights. After checking it on two other vech ford I determined that the problem is not the trailer. I am wondering if it could be the wiring harness installed on the Escape or there is something extra I need on the Escape. The harness is aprox 3 years old and has been exposed to full weather conditions. Thank you
asked by: Chris
Expert Reply:
It sounds as if the converter on your wiring harness might have shorted out. You can confirm this by using a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 and test each pin on the connector as its function is activated. Test the pin fed by the yellow and green wires while the right and left turn signals and brake lights are activated. If you are not getting signal, for those functions, go a step further and troubleshoot the converter as outlined in the video I will link you to.
If you find that the converter is bad, it will need to be replaced. You will also need to discover why the converter shorted out. The wiring on the trailer is by far the most common culprit. The wiring of any trailer you connect to the vehicle should be closely inspected for loose connections or pinched wires. Make sure the wire insulation is not cracked or worn away, so the copper conductor can short to the trailer frame.
I would also check that the ground wire from the converter is securely grounded to clean metal on the Escape.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
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