Troubleshooting Weak Trailer Turn Signal Circuit on 2002 Dodge Durango

Question:

I have a 2002 Dodge Durango SUV and a 5foot X 8foot metal frame utility trailer. I newly installed a Blazer brand light kit which includes two rear lights and two amber side maker lights. When I completed the install and tried the lights everything worked fine except the left turn signal and left brake light signal seemed to be weak. After testing all the circuits I found the signal strength exiting the converter box on the vehicle end was extremely weak. The signal strength going into the converter from the manufactures wiring harness is strong. My question is, can I wire the yellow wire with a jumper wire to bypass the converter box to make the left turn signal and brake lights operate properly or do I need to invest in a new wiring harness? Thanks for any help or advise.

asked by: Rich S

Expert Reply:

First thing you want to do is make sure you test the wiring when the vehicle is running. The additional amperage that the alternator would put on the taillight circuits might be all that is needed to get the trailer's wiring to operate properly.

I can't recommend you bypass the converter box of the trailer wiring harness you have since it is designed to convert the taillight signal into what the trailer's wiring is designed for.

However, if the amperage output of the converter box is still low with the vehicle running that would be an indicator that the converter box is in need of being replaced. The part # 118334 is the correct harness for your 2002 Dodge Durango.

I also attached a help article on trailer wiring troubleshooting as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C