Trailer Lights Come On and Off Randomly After Rain Storm On 2012 Ford Escape

Question:

Saw other answer, but my hitch electrical tester shows all lights barely light up on or not on. The Escape lights all work correctly. Brakes and stop lights work perfectly. It worked for months before, then a rainstorm and its stopped since. Ill be unloading the trailer, or working on the hitch electrical, and the running lights on Escape and trailer will light up. Happened again as we were trouble-shooting, so I went to front, turned off lights and back on, and the running lights wouldnt turn back on. I can only assume that its the electronics in the electrical block shorting out at times, that comes with the hitch kit. Whats going on? Why is it intermittently coming on, but mostly always off? Why is the tester showing all LED test lights glowing even when off?

asked by: Lance D

Helpful Expert Reply:

The issue you are having with your trailer lights sounds like the converter box is bad and will then need to be replaced as these cannot be repaired. The T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part # 118551 is what I recommend using as it is the most reliable option we have for a 2012 Ford Escape.

If you wanted to be sure the converter box was the issue then all you need to do is take a circuit tester and test the wires leading into the box and then leaving the box. The only wires that should have power are the ones that you apply manually in the vehicle. If other wires have power or the ones associated with said signal do not then you know the converter box is bad but also make sure the ground is secure as that can cause odd issues as well.

expert reply by: Conner L