Troubleshooting Hopkins Tail Light Wiring Converter

Question

Question:

have Hopkins converter 48845 will not send power to trailer lights. stop and turn are combined leds. motorhome with 6 pin round out to 4 pin on trailer.

asked by: Jim T

0

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you may just need to replace your wiring converter with one made for use with LEDs, the Hopkins LED Compatible Tail Light Converter Kit # HM48895. This is designed to work with the lower power draw of high-efficiency LED lighting.

If you test the motorhome wiring and confirm that the signals are present there as they should be then either your converter is damaged or it is simply the wrong one for your application.

expert reply by: Adam R

0

Joel M.

9/5/2020

I installed a Hopkins 4-way flat taillight converter last year. Everything worked fine. This year my right rear trailer indicator and brake lights won't work. I've confirmed the issue is on the vehicle and not the trailer side. The ground connection is good. I replaced the flat 4 connection and that didn't fix it. I've inspected all of the wiring and there is no break and I can see no issue with the the connections to the tail lights. Is it possible that the unit is having issues after one year? Any advice for where else the issue might be?

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Jon G.

9/7/2020

Did you check the fuse for the right turn/stop trailer functions on your tow vehicle? Another place to look is the connector itself. Sometimes some corrosion or debris can get in there and cause problems, especially if it doesn't have a cover (although I'm pretty sure every Hopkins connector comes with a cover).

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Joel M.

9/8/2020

@JonG I ended up taking it into the shop and they confirmed that the box was the problem. It doesn’t speak to the quality of the components if it fails that quickly. I called e-trailer and was told that it only comes with a 90 day warranty. Again, doesn’t inspire confidence about the quality.

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Jon G.

9/11/2020

@JoelM I'm glad you got it figured out but I'm sorry to hear that you were having problems. I usually have a hard time recommending the Hopkins wiring over the Curt or Tekonsha simply because of that 90 day warranty they place on it.

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Answer 1

Unfortunately a trailer wiring converter module like #118426 can go bad at any time without any notice. It is rare, but can happen. The module has a circuit board that will work great until it doesn't and if that goes, it can do some odd things…

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Answer 2

Since the lights work on a different trailer then like you said the issue must be on the trailer. To determine the issue you will first want to check the trailers connector. If there is any dirt or corrosion you will need to clean it out on the pins…

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Answer 3

It sound like some of the functions on your trailer wiring are not connected in the standard pin locations which is what both Pollak and Hopkins use. On your trailer, locate the wires and pin location by function only as color coding is not standard…

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Answer 4

The 4-way on your trailer is what's known as a wishbone connector like part #A35W42B. Two of the wires are the running light circuit which is a little easier to install since you can run one down each side of the trailer. This way you don't…

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Answer 5

If your right turn signal is blinking with the left turn signal applied that most likely means you have a short between the right turn and left turn signal circuits or you possibly have the left turn signal shorted out to the running light circuit as…

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Answer 6

For an easy to use, and notably reliable product, I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector #118467. This product is a very easy to connect; just plug and play; It is also very reliable and one of our best…

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Answer 7

The best way to determine if the converter is damaged is to check the wires right at the box. Using a circuit tester, like part #PTW2993, probe the green wire just ahead of the box. If it does not have power, then the wiring may have come loose in…

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Answer 8

It sounds like you have checked everything following your #C59236. A single harness failure happens sometimes but two in a row is not something we really see. The only thing I can think of is checking the power source. Make sure you are in fact…

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Answer 9

To splice in a trailer end connector such as the 4-Pole Trailer End Connector #18004 or Hopkins Endurance Easy-Pull Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Connector - Trailer End #HM38134 you will need to match the connector to your wires by function. On these…

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Answer 10

I've never heard of an actual third brake light connector on a camper shell to plug in on a truck and we don't carry any parts to do that. The light generally needs to be hardwired into the truck's brake light circuit. The issue with this…

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Answer 11

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 12

I agree it is the right time to upgrade to a Lithium charger/converter as not all are Lithium compatible. I recommend using the Progressive Dynamics Mighty Mini AC/DC Panel and Converter/Smart Charger - 60 Amp #PD4060K which is a replacement for your…

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Troubleshooting Hopkins Tail Light Wiring Converter

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