Trailer Running Lamps Blowing Fuse on 2009 Saturn Outlook

Question:

I installed this wiring kit into my 2009 Saturn without any problems. It was really easy. We towed our first small trailer this last weekend and the turn signals and brake lights worked great. However, the driving lights would blow the 10 amp fuse in the Saturn. Have you heard of this problem? Any suggestions? There are two marker lights and two regular lights on the trailer. If it is overloading the circuit would installing a new fused power wire with relay to activate the parking lights be a good idea? Thanks for all your help.

asked by: Patrick F

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have a short in the running light circuit on your trailer.

Each incandescent tail light will pull approximately 2 amps, with the marker lights pulling .05 amps apiece. Your current lighting configuration is not pulling enough amperage to short out the harness or the circuit feeding it.

Typically, the running lamp circuit uses a brown wire. Trace this circuit back from the trailer connector back toward the lamps. Look for pinched wires or spots where the wire insulation is cracked or worn through. Worn insulation can allow the copper conductor to short out to the trailer frame which would explain the fuse blowing on your Saturn.

expert reply by: Mike L