Troubleshooting External Light Malfunction on Pop Up Camper

Question:

I wired the kit #118506 to my 2011 Kia Sorento, which has a 4 cyl engine without a factory tow adaptor, and it does not power the pop up camper external lights. I am wondering if the kit is wrong, or if it is bad. Any suggestions?

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

If you have the 2011 Kia Sorento Base I4 without factory tow package or EX I4 without factory tow package, then part # 118506, is the correct trailer wiring harness to provide a 4-way flat trailer connector at the rear of your vehicle.

It sounds like there is a ground issue that is causing the malfunction. First, you can do some tests on the vehicle side to see if it is the problem or if it is on the trailer. You will need a circuit tester like # PTW2993 if needed to test the wiring.

Disconnect the trailer from the vehicle and use the circuit tester to test the wires that go into the converter from the vehicle. Using the circuit tester, have someone run through the brake, turn, and running light functions while you test the wires. If the signals are not correct coming into the converter then there is a problem with the vehicle wiring.

If the signals are correct, test the 4-way connector for the correct functions. If they are not correct coming out to the 4-way then there is something wrong in the converter and it will need to be replaced. If the signals are correct, then that would indicate a problem on the trailer side and not with the vehicle or converter.

To test the trailer, start by checking the 4-way connector for corrosion and clean it out. Check the main ground from the trailer connector and make sure that it is attached to a clean and corrosion free bare metal surface. You will then want to do the same with each of the trailer lights.

expert reply by: Chris O