Troubleshooting Not Having Right Turn/Stop Circuit Trailer Wiring Ford Explorer
Question:
My Ford Explorer AWD has a 5 way flat trailer connector female and my trailer has a 4 way flat male. Can you recommend an adapter? Right now, without the adapter, I don’t have a right turn signal. Thanks,
asked by: Bill
Helpful Expert Reply:
The fifth pin of a 5-way actually is not normally associated with a right turn signal. It is normally used with a reverse circuit. The pin with a green wire ran to it is normally the right turn/stop circuit which is where your problem lies.
First thing you should do at this point is test the 4-way of the wiring harness with a circuit tester 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 issue.
Make sure that the trailer side connector are clean and free of corrosion inside and out. The main connector grounds should be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. The light grounds 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 can help.
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.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tow Ready 4 Pole to 5 Pole Trailer Wiring Adapter
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring Adapters
- Single-Function Adapter
- 0 - 5 Feet Long
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- 5 Flat
- Tow Ready
more information >
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Can a 4-Way Trailer Connector be Plugged Into a 5-Way Vehicle End Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Best 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness For 2024 Toyota RAV4
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Install 5-Way on 2019 Toyota RAV4
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 5-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch for a 2024 Toyota RAV4
- Article: Trailer Maintenance Schedule
- Q&A: What Colors are Trailer Brake Magnets Wires
- Q&A: When Using a 5-Way for Tow Bar Wiring Which Pin for a Charge Line Kit
- Q&A: Seal With Dimensions to Replace 171255UC
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class