After Dealer Replaced Trailer Hitch on 2006 Jeep Liberty it Started Blowing Fuses

Question:

I have a similar quick connect system as you have on your website however I keep blowing fuses. I have tried rewiring, re running battery power cable and still keep blowing fuses. Could I possibly have a bad ground between hitch and frame? I had a hitch installed and without permission when I had 2 issues fixed by the Dodge dealer near me they replaced my hitch with theres since it was a factory recall. When the hitch was in no issies. After they put there hitch and replaced my ignore ignition and rear window release wiring harnesses I blow fuses.. What would be the next step...

asked by: David M

Expert Reply:

To determine if it is the wiring harness on your 2006 Jeep Liberty that is causing the problem you can perform some tests. Basically you would use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 and test the wires going into the wiring harness converter box and the wiring coming out of the box. It helps to have someone in the vehicle to operate the lighting functions while you test the wires.

If the converter box is not receiving the correct signals going into it from the vehicle then there is some issue with the vehicle wiring. If the signals are all correct going in then you would check the signals on the output side. If they are not correct then the wiring harness will need to be replaced with a new harness such as # 118524.

If they are correct coming out of the converter then the issue is somewhere else. A bad ground or a short could be the problem. 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 but they, as well as shorts, can show up any time.

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.

The light grounds should also be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. If there is anything between a light ground and the metal trailer frame or if the trailer has an aluminum frame, tilt bed, or folding tongue, any of these things can interrupt the ground. Running jumper wires from the light grounds to the main trailer connector ground can help.

Since you were not having any trouble before the Dodge dealer worked on your vehicle it is possible that something happened with some wiring that went unnoticed. I recommend inspecting the wiring and fixing any damaged or pinched wires.