Troubleshooting 2010 Dodge Avenger Wiring Harness # 118445 That Has Stopped Functioning

Question:

I checked the fuse and it is ok. What else do you suggest. What is the warranty and can I get a replacement.

asked by: Robert G

Expert Reply:

When you say that the # 118445 T-connector stopped working on your 2010 Dodge Avenger, was it just one function, or are none of the functions at the 4-Way connector working?

The most likely problem when you have lights working strangely, such as flashing repeatedly or perhaps coming on or going off at the wrong times would be that there is a bad ground either on the vehicle or on the trailer.

The best way to find out where the problem is occuring is to start by testing the 4-Way connector without the trailer connected. Have a helper flip the turn signals and press the brake while you are using a circuit tester at the plug on the # 118445 harness. If you read power at all the functions, you will know to turn your search to the trailer side of the equation. If you get power readings at some functions but not others, you will know the problem is occurring on the wiring harness side.

First, you will want to check the ground on the # 118445 and test the vehicle wiring without your trailer connected. Make sure the ground wire is firmly attached to a clean metal point on the vehicle frame, and that no corrosion, paint, or even other ring connectors are between the ground wire for the wiring and the grounding surface.

Check for power at the 4-Way plug once you have reworked the ground wire on the harness to confirm it is working properly.

If you check the ground and the wiring is still not functioning as it should, I recommend using a circuit tester to test for power on the wires going into the black converter box on the wiring harness, and then at the 4-Way connector. If you get a power reading going in from the vehicle side, but none coming out at the 4-Way, this would indicate that the wiring harness would need to be replaced.

If it looks like the issue is on the trailer side, you will need to check the ground wire on the trailer connector, as well as any ground wires or grounding hardware on each of the trailer lights. If even one light has a bad ground, this is enough to throw off the entire setup.

I have included some more information on wiring for towing, and also a link to the installation instructions for the wiring harness, if needed.