Troubleshooting Trailer Wiring Where Blinkers Activate Both Sides of Trailer  

Question:

Expert Reply:

First thing you should do at this point is test the 4-way wiring harness with a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 for voltage on all of the right pins when the taillight signals are being applied. Just like in the video I attached.

If the voltage checks out there but the trailer lights still don't function right then the problem is on the trailer wiring. That would mean that problem is either due to a ground issue or a short circuit.

Make sure that the trailer side connector is clean and free of corrosion inside and out. The main connector grounds should be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. Then each light will have a ground wire or will ground through the light mounting hardware and should also be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. If there is anything between a light ground and the metal trailer frame or if the trailer has an aluminum frame, tilt bed, or folding tongue, any of these things can interrupt the ground. Running jumper wires from the light grounds to the main trailer connector ground may be a necessity in these instances.

If the problem is on the vehicle side then I would first recommend you double check how the harness is installed on your vehicle, make sure all of the connections are good and tight. You should check all towing related fuses and relays as well. What you described can sometimes be due to the converter box shorting out or "going bad".

What you will want to do is test the wires going into the box of the converter box for voltage with a circuit tester like the # PTW2993 to see if there is voltage going into the box when the taillight functions of your vehicle are applied, and then test the output side of the box to see if the current is making it through the converter. If not then the problem is that the converter box has shorted itself out and would need to be replaced.

Before you replace it you will want to inspect the wiring of your trailer to see if you can find anything that would cause the box to short out like corrosion or cut/exposed wiring. These boxes don't usually go out unless there is a short on the trailer that takes it out.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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