The first thing to check on trailer wiring harness # C56035 for your 2009 Toyota Matrix is the fuse for the power wire that connects to the vehicle battery. This harness gets power for the trailer lights from the vehicle battery so if the power wire is not connected to the battery or the fuse is missing or blown then the trailer lights will not work.
Also make sure the white ground wire is attached to a clean, bare metal surface; preferably by itself. There can be no paint or coating at... view full answer...
If the copper wire has turned black, it will mean one of two things. First, salt water somehow got through the insulation/jacket, causing it to severely oxidize. Second, it overheated and actually burned some of that jacket. In either case, I highly recommend replacing you wiring. Compromised wire like this can cause bad connections at best, and/or overheat again and possible catch fire, which would be catastrophically worse.
Depending on how you have everything wired and how many accessories... view full answer...
It may not seem like rust or dirt but I can guarantee you there is something in the threads of the weld nut that isn't allowing the bolts to thread in. It doesn't take much to jam up the threads and prevent the bolts from threading in.
I have included a few links on hitch installation tips, cleaning weld nuts, and a video on cleaning weld nuts for you. view full answer...
This sounds like a ground issue. 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. Converter # C55522 does have a separate white ground wire that needs to be attached... view full answer...
The wiring harness # 118460 that you referenced is a correct fit for your 2010 Toyota Matrix and it sounds like your trailer's clearance lights are dimming when you press the brake pedal. When this happens the cause is often a weak ground connection which is easy to correct.
What you can do is disconnect the white ground wire's ring terminal from the grounding point. Sand and clean that spot so that you have exposed clean bare metal that is free of paint, primer, undercoat, rust and grease.... view full answer...
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