Troubleshooting Brake Lights on Trailer Towed by 2008 Acura MDX
Question:
2008 Acura mdx I installed this part and all lights on my trailer work except the brake lights. I am new to using a trailer but have already found your website very helpful. Thank you Jim
asked by: Jim V
Expert Reply:
I'd be happy to help you with that. You'll need a circuit tester like part # PTW2993. Check the pins that are fed by the green and yellow wire, there should be signal on those wires with the brake pedal pressed. If you don't see power on either of those wires with the brake pedal pressed, trace the 4-pole trailer connector until you reach the black converter box. Locate the red wire entering the converter box. Test the red wire, which SHOULD show power when the brake is pressed. If it does show power, the converter is bad and should be replaced. Before replacing the converter, you'll want to closely examine the wiring on the trailer and locate the short that made the converter short out. Start at the trailer connector and trace each wire to its final destination. Look for pinched wires, cracked or worn insulation or loose connections, anything that would allow the copper wire to short out on the trailer frame. Repair the short.
If you find NO power on that red wire, you've got a bad fuse. Check out your owner's manual, and find the section for the fuse box. You'll want to find the fuse that protects the towing circuits. Replace the fuse if needed.
I'll also link you to some FAQ articles about trailer wiring and troubleshooting.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: How to Clean a 7-Way Trailer Wiring Connector
- Video: Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 2007 Honda Pilot ETBC7
- Q&A: Trailer Lights Don't Work When Headlights are On
- Q&A: Do I Need to Add Fuses to my 2007 Acura MDX When I Install a Trailer Wire Harness, Part # 118424
- Q&A: Why Does 2016 Acura MDX Call for 20 Amp Fuse But For Curt Trailer Wiring 10 Amp Fuse is Recommended
- Q&A: Testing a Vehicle Side 7-Way Trailer Connector for Proper Function
- Q&A: Troubleshooting LED Lights Not Working On Trailer
- Q&A: Left Turn Signal On 7-Way Trailer Connector is Not Working
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Video: Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2015 Acura MDX
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole
- Shop: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Search Results: 37185
- Search Results: 75225
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: brake controller
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: hitch
on Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
