Trailer Lights Troubleshooting and Recommended Trailer Brake Controller for 2006 Kia Sedona

Question:

Hello, we recently purchased a pop up and had to have wiring installed on our van a 2006 kia Sedona. It is a 4 flat and we got the adapter for the 7 blade connector. The back lights are dim and for some reason do not work if the van lights are on. But if the lights are off they work but are very dim and the running lights not at all, we think it could be a Grounding issue maybe in the pop up, a 2005 palomino yearling. It Also has after market electric brakes on it as well. Do we need another adapter for the brakes or does the 7 flat include that? If not, what else do we need and how much will it set us back? Also do you think that sounds right about the dim lights? Thank you

asked by: Brian G

Expert Reply:

If the lights on your trailer are being powered on, but are coming on at a very low level, it's definitely possible that there is a ground issue. I recommend making sure that you have a secure ground connection with a clean, unobstructed area on your trailer's frame. If possible, try grounding the vehicle lights back to the main trailer ground.

To power the trailer's electric brakes with your 2006 Kia Sedona, you will need to add a brake controller along with an additional wiring kit. If you do not already have a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885. This is a great proportional brake controller that will activate your trailer's brakes at the same time and with the same intensity that you apply to them in your Kia. It also includes a digital display and continuous diagnostic checks.

If you already have a 7-way adapter like the Hopkins # 37185 installed with the 4-way on your vehicle, then you will just need to add the Wiring Kit # 5506, as the additional 3 wires on the 7-way still need to be run up to your vehicle's battery and brake light switch in order to send power to the trailer brakes.

I have attached installation details as well as an installation video on a 2008 Kia Sedona for you to look at.

expert reply by: Chris R