Troubleshooting Trailer Lights with a 1993 Jeep Cherokee

Question:

93 Jeep Cherokee - installed 5 to 4 converter and all lights work except turn signals but they do work when you press the brake pedal and engage the brake lights. The blinkers flash rapidly on the dash and vehicle until you hit the brakes and then all works fine. Any help would be appreciated!

asked by: Preston D

Expert Reply:

Typically when lighting problems pop up in a towing situation it is due to a bad ground. If you installed a converter like part # C59236 then I would start off by checking the ground wire. Make sure that it is secure and connected to a clean, bare-metal surface as even some paint can cause issues. If that looks good, then double check your Jeep and trailer connectors to make sure they are clean and free of any debris.

Next use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to test the 4-Way on your 1993 Jeep Cherokee. If all of the functions are working properly then the problem is on your trailer. If they are not, then the problem should be isolated to your Jeep. Either way, check the wiring on the towing side that is showing the problem and look for any places where the wiring is damaged or bent and replace it.

Another possibility is that you have LED lights on your trailer that are causing your turn signals to hyper-flash. This is fixed with the help of a Load-Resistor Kit like part # DI34ZR.

This should fix your problem but if it doesn't, I have linked a helpful article on troubleshooting trailer lights, and you can reach back out to me as well.

expert reply by: Jon G