Troubleshooting My 2009 Dodge Journeys Blown Fuses When Trailer Is Connected

Question:

Had trailer harness, blew fuse, found bare wire/fixed. Now blowing fuse as soon as fuse is replaced, trailer not connected, motor off. Left taillight has smoked and smelled burned but works. If replace fuse it blows immediately. Help,

asked by: David M

Expert Reply:

This sounds like a short somewhere in your system. You will have to check the wiring on the vehicle side and possible the trailer side as well. I would pay particular attention to the wiring harness for the tail lights because of the burning.

The first thing we need to do is check the vehicle side. You will have to disconnect the trailer and use a circuit tester, part # PTW2993. You will need a second person to help you run through the lights, turn signals, and brakes to test the functions. If you detect any power to a circuit that should not have any, then you have a short on the vehicle side.

Check your grounds, make sure they are touching bare metal. You already found some bare wire you fixed, but you should also check for dirt, rust, or corrosion in the system. If any is present, it might be causing the problems you are seeing.

If you do not find any issues on the vehicle side, then repeat the process on the trailer side.

expert reply by: Mark Smith