Troubleshooting Curt Wiring Harness # C56172 Installed in 2013 Ford Explorer

Question:

Good morning, I purchased and installed the Curt C56172 trailer wiring system on my 2013 Ford Explorer. I have discovered that I am not getting any power to the trailer connection. The tail lights and turn signals are operational, is there a fuse or relay that may have blown? I have tried using multiple grounding points, including the connection ground with the same results. Thank you.

asked by: Tom H

Expert Reply:

You can check your engine compartment fuse box to see if any fuse/relay locations labeled trailer or towing are blown or just missing and install as needed with the value specified. According to my research there are left and right trailer tow relays required; these are installed near the center of the box.

The Curt 4-pole wiring harness # C56172 is a confirmed fit for your 2013 Ford Explorer and its installation is shown in the linked video. You need to ensure you have fully seated the two T-connectors to the car's passenger side wiring as shown in the video. It is also critical to proper harness operation that you make a solid ground connection. The white ground wire with ring terminal should be affixed to a clean bare metal spot on the car's sheet metal. You can try sanding off the primer/paint from that spot to ensure bare-metal-to-metal contact.

Are you referring to the Explorer's tail lights and turn signals being operational? If this is the case and you do not have any signals on the trailer connector then try unplugging the T-connectors. Inspect them for any signs of trapped dirt or corrosion and reconnect.

You can also refer to the linked article with troubleshooting tips for 4-pole wiring.

expert reply by: Adam R