Tail Light Fuse Blows On 2000 Toyota Tacoma When Trailer Is Connected To The Trailer Hitch

Question

Question:

When I plug my trailer lights into the receptacle on my truck, and then turn my head lights/tail lights on, the fuse blows. This only happens when the trailer is actually connected to the hitch. If the trailer is *not connected to the hitch*, the fuse will not blow. HOWEVER, if the tail lights are activated, there is no change in the lights when I apply brakes or turn on the turn signals testing in the garage. I installed the t-one wiring harness for my specific vehicle. Is there something else I need to make all of the lights function properly? Thanks for your help.

asked by: Jen

0

Expert Reply:

Since it is blowing the fuses only when the trailer is connected to the hitch it is probably a short on the trailer wiring.

You will want to start by testing the installation of the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness, # 118379.

Without the trailer hooked up you will need to use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 and test each wire going into the black converter box on the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness, # 118379, as its function is activated. With somebody to turn on the turn signals and step on the brakes, test each wire to see that it is working properly. Also, make sure the ground is attached to a good grounding point. Next, would be to test the wiring coming out of the converter to the trailer connector on the vehicle.

If the wires going into the converter test good and if the wires coming out are not working, then it is a problem with the converter.

If all the wiring is working properly on the vehicle and the ground is good, you will want to check the trailer wiring. Check each circuit on the trailer and make sure that each wire is run to the correct circuit on each taillight. Check all the wiring on the trailer to make sure there is no pinched or frayed wire.

You will want to take time when checking the wiring on the trailer because that is where it sounds like you might be having a problem.

Also, make sure to check that the grounds for the trailer lights and light brackets are making contact to clean paint and corrosion-free metal on the trailer frame.

I am sending a link to a page on how to troubleshoot your trailer wiring. It will describe in detail how to test your trailer wiring.

expert reply by: Jeff D

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Answer 1

Tire designations ST205/75D14 and ST205/75R14 are both for special trailer tires with a 205mm width, 75-percent aspect ratio and that fit a 14-inch wheel. The difference between them is the tire's type of construction. The ST205/75D14 tire is a…

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 5

A BT8 spindle would have a diameter of .99 of an inch where the bearings would both install and would have a diameter of 1.24 where the great seal would ride. That would require a hub part #AKIHUB-440-2-1K for an idler hub. A BTR spindle would have…

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Answer 6

To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are marked…

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Answer 7

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 8

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

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Answer 9

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Answer 10

Depending on how the trailer was made, there will be a few spots you can check to identify the axle. First, if the trailer was pre-made by a specific company, you may be able to find this information in either the paperwork or on a placard somewhere…

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Answer 11

You will need to measure the diameter of the spindles where the seal and bearings ride. Check out the picture I attached that shows where this is. You will need an exact measurement so either a digital or dial caliper will be needed. To pick out the…

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Answer 12

Torque specs for wheel lug nuts will vary depending on the diameter of the lugs, type of lug nut and the wheel's material. The linked chart details the recommended torque for many combinations. Dexter Hub/Drum #84546UC3 has 1/2-inch studs and…

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Tail Light Fuse Blows On 2000 Toyota Tacoma When Trailer Is Connected To The Trailer Hitch

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