Troubleshooting Broken Ground Pin on Trailer Wiring Harness for a 1994 Ford Ranger

Question:

Do they make a better harness than what is displayed on your web site. The ground post keeps breaking off, which I know how to bypass the plug to make it work. The other problem Im having is one of the turn signals will quit working. I will have power to the back side of the plug but no power coming out of the plug. Is there some kind of electrionics built into the plug that keep gong bad. Please give me your insight on this. I use this for pulling a fishing boat trailer and I use it quite a bit form March to October . This type of harness is breaking me up. Thanks

asked by: Terry D

Expert Reply:

The only wiring harness we carry for the 1994 Ford Ranger is the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness, # 118325, that you have referenced. The black converter box does contain some electrical components that could potentially go bad. But if you are consistently having a trouble with the same wiring harness, it may be a symptom of another problem.

You did mention the ground post breaking off. This could occur if there is corrosion build up in either connector, making it difficult to connect and disconnect the plug from the trailer. Eventually, it could wear it out enough to where it pulls out. This could also cause a short circuit or back feeding situation that damages the converter box causing it not to work properly.

I recommend cleaning out any dirt and corrosion and using some dielectric grease, # 11755, to prevent moisture build up and corrosion. It should also help with connecting/disconnecting the plugs.

expert reply by: Michael H