Troubleshooting Trailer Tail Lights Staying on When Trailer is Connected to a 2008 Kia Sorento EX

Question:

Now that I have rewired my trailer everything on the car 2008 Kia Sorento EX works normal. Everything on the trailer works normal including the trailer back-up lights, break lights, turn signalsand normal night-time tail lights. Howevwer when I try to turn the regular head lights/tail lights off at the dash switch on the turn signal lever everything turns of except the trailer normal night time tail lights. THEY JUST STAY ON AND I CANT TURN THEM OFF EXCEPT TO UNPLUG THE TRAILER. When I plug the trailer back in the trailer lights turn on while all car and trailer other lights are turned off. Has the wiring harness moduel gone bad. It is possible that during the course of wiring I masy have touched the wires the wrong way. They are correct now. Could this have caused the resulting tail light problem??

asked by: Bill S

Expert Reply:

There is a possibility that the converter box on the Curt T-Connector Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, item # C56332, was shorted when you were installing the wiring. Testing the wiring going into the converter box and coming out, with no trailer connected, should tell you if there is a problem inside the converter. The taillight circuit, brown wire, should not show power when the vehicle lights are off. A circuit tester, item # PTW2993, is needed.

Finally, if the trailer connector functions on the vehicle you will need to review all of the trailer wiring to determine if there is a short circuit situation allowing power onto the taillight circuit through the trailer ground wires. Visual inspection along with circuit testing is the best way to proceed.

expert reply by: Robert G