Why Would Trailer Wiring of 2015 Kia Sorento Cause Blow Fuses in Vehicle

Question:

My harness worked perfectly for a few years on the 2015 Sorento V6 without factory tow package. Last time I went to use the harness, it would not illuminate the lights on the trailer. About a month later, my right side turn signal stopped functioning. Shortly thereafter, the fuse for the brake lights and turn signals blew. I replaced that fuse, and noticed the fuse in the harness coming off the battery was also blown. Each time I replace that fuse, it immediately blows again. Ive since removed both that fuse and the actual plug-ins from the taillight assemblies for the hitch wiring. Now my turn signals and brake lights are working fine. Does this sound like a ground issue that I need to run a new wire to that fuse off the battery, or a problem that occurred within the light assembly harness? Thanks,

asked by: Jody

Expert Reply:

Grounding issues do not typically cause fuses to blow since typically they just stop circuits from working. An insufficient ground won't overload a circuit and cause it to blow a fuse.

To me this sounds like the converter box of the trailer wiring circuit has an internal problem most likely caused by a short on the trailer wiring which is now causing wiring of the harness to blow fuses. You'll have to replace the trailer wiring harness for your 2015 Kia Sorento and for that the most reliable option we have is the Tekonsha kit part # 118583. Before you do this though you'll want to go over the wiring of the trailer looking for any obvious signs of shorts like cut or exposed wire and fix as needed.

expert reply by: Jameson C