Why Would Circuits of the I26 Partially Glow When No Trailer Wiring Circuits are Activated

Question:

I have a 2014 Ford Escape w/ factory tow package. I plug in the # I26, turn on my vehicle, put the window down, get out and close the door, reach in an click the door lock button to make all interior lights go off, walk back to check out the lights on the # I26 and all the lights on the gadget are blinking with an average glow. I then reach thru the window, turn on either the left or right turn signal, and the proper light on the # I26 is now blinking brighter, but all the other lights are still blinking with an average glow. Is this the correct way the lights on the # I26 should be operating? Or should all the lights on the # I26 be off except for the light of the turn signal Ive activated?

asked by: Ed

Expert Reply:

It sounds like your trailer wiring setup is fine. The thing about LEDs (like what the # I26 has), is that they require such a tiny amount of amperage to partially illuminate that when they are used in trailer wiring situations they can partially glow like you described if there is any amperage at all bleeding out of the circuit.

What I would do is connect the 4-way of your 2014 Ford Explorer up to a trailer and see if it functions properly. If it checks out then you would be good to go.

expert reply by: Jameson C