Tail Lights are On All the Time When Using Tow Ready Trailer Wiring Harness, 2011 Chevy Equinox  

Question:

Expert Reply:

It sounds like there could be a problem along the 12 volt power wire that connects to the battery. It may be allowing power through all the time. This would indicate a problem inside the converter box and it will need to be replaced.

To test the converter, you can use a circuit tester like # PTW2993. Check the wires going into the box from the vehicle for the correct signals. If you are getting a signal on the running light circuit (brown wire) all the time, then it could be an issue with the vehicle wiring.

If everything is correct going into the box but not coming back out, then the converter box is bad, and the wiring harness will need to be replaced. But if the signals are correct coming back out then there could be an issue with the trailer.

A bad ground or short circuit could be causing power draw through the system. Check the wiring on the trailer for any loose, broken, or wires with bad connections and repair as needed. Check the grounds on the back of the trailer plug and on the vehicle wiring harness. Make sure they are connected to clean metal surfaces.

The trailer light grounds should also be connected to clean metal surfaces and the vehicle side and trailer side connectors should be clean and free of corrosion.

Make sure that the power wire is connected to the vehicle battery via the in-line fuse and fuse holder. No other 12-volt connection should be used. I have included a link to the installation details for reference and a link to a video showing a typical installation.

expert reply by: Michael H

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