Trailer Wiring Harness # 118426 Malfunction on 2005 Ford Escape  

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Expert Reply:

Thank you for your purchase from etrailer of TowReady T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118426.

Since this is a plug-and-play (no splicing) harness the first thing you can check is the integrity of the connections at your Escape's tail lights. Disconnect the harness and inspect both the harness and vehicle connectors for any bent or discolored contacts; even slight greenish or whitish discoloration can indicate enough corrosion that it could interfere with signal transmission. Clean as needed but if all is well I still suggest an application of dielectric grease such as # LT37534 to prevent entry of moisture.

It is also a good idea to confirm that the vehicle's normal lighting functions operate correctly without the harness in place.

You can also use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to check the signals into and out of the converter box. Have a helper sit in the Escape and activate the various lighting functions one by one while you apply the tester to the wires going into the box. If you detect appropriate blinking (turn) and steady (brake and taillight) signals going into the box when these functions are activated, but NOT the correct signals leaving the box, then the box is bad and needs replacement. (This harness is covered by a 1-year limited warranty.)

If the converter is bad, you'll want to check your trailer to ensure there are no shorts within its wiring that could have damaged the harness. If there is an issue within the trailer's wiring, then this could also damage a replacement harness, so you'll want to be sure to check this before installing a new harness.

I've linked an article on troubleshooting that will give you additional guidance.

expert reply by: Adam R

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