Troubleshooting Tekonsha Wiring Harness 118566 Installation in 2015 Ford Escape

Question:

I have a 2015 ford escape se Ive installed two #118566 wiring kits on it now the first one shorted out and burnt the plug up and the most reent one just screwed up today it has no turn signal on the passenger side the brake light is permanently on is there a reset or anything i can do to fix it i dont want to install another one

asked by: Travis M

Expert Reply:

If you have gone through two wiring harnesses in your 2015 Ford Escape SE I suggest you carefully troubleshoot the wiring on your trailer for signs of a short or other fault that could be the cause for the harness failures. Since you have had two harness failures the odds are that there is a wiring problem on the trailer side of things. Wiring harnesses do not have a reset button but the included fuse assembly should protect the harness from most faults. This fuse must be installed inline with the 12V power feed from the Escape's + battery terminal.

Things to look for are cracks in the wire's insulation or wear marks where it might be rubbing on the trailer's frame. Check especially areas where the wires have to make sharp bends and spots where they could contact the trailer's suspension components. Repair or replace any such damaged wires. Also check for signs of discoloration or corrosion on the vehicle and trailer side connectors; severe corrosion can cause shorts too.

Another less-likely possibility is that the total power demand from all of the lights on the trailer is beyond the output capacity of the harness.

An article with additional troubleshooting tips is included for you.

expert reply by: Adam R