Tow Ready Trailer Wiring Harness #118412 in a 2008 Toyota Rav 4 Blows Stop Light Fuse

Question:

I installed wiring harness 118412 in my 2008 Rav4, and the 10 amp fuse in the vehicles fuse box under the dash for the Stop light keeps blowing. This creates a real problem since it prevents me from being able to shift out of Park, and the ABS, Brake, and VSC dash lights stay on. What do you suggest? Thank you!

asked by: Eric B

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Tow Ready about the trouble you have been having with the Trailer Wiring Harness, # 118412. He stated that on some Toyota Rav 4 models, the chassis ground is not a sufficient ground for the converter box. This will cause some power to leak back through the system and can cause the issues you are describing.

To fix the problem you can move the ground. There should be a near by 12 volt power outlet that uses a different and stronger ground that you can use instead. usually this takes care of the problem.

make sure all other connections are intact, fuses have been replaced, and everything is put back together before starting up the vehicle.

expert reply by: Michael H