Trailer Lights Work then Shut Off Using Wiring Harness 118424 on a 2012 Acura MDX  

Question:

Expert Reply:

You should not require additional fuses or relays to install the trailer wiring harness # 118424 unless those items are missing on your 2012 Acura MDX. In some cases, there is a relay needed that can only be obtained at an Acura dealer. Consult the vehicle owners manual for the locations of any fuses or relays related to the trailer wiring to check them.

The fact that it worked at first then stopped tells me that it could still be a ground issue. You can try moving the converter ground to a different location. You need a bare metal surface with no paint or coating for a proper ground.

There could also be a ground issue on the trailer or, if the trailer has a lot of lights, it could be overloading the harness. This harness is rated for 2.1 amps maximum for brake and turn signals per side and 4.2 amps total for running lights.

You can check the main trailer connector ground and the grounds for each light to make sure they are all attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. You can also check the harness by disconnecting the trailer and then using a circuit tester like # PTW2993 if needed to determine if the wiring harness is sending the proper signals back to the 4-Way.

If you do not get the proper signals at the 4-Way, test the wiring going into the converter from the vehicle. If the signals are coming through there then that indicates that the converter is bad and needs to be replaced. If the trailer does draw more power than the harness is rated for then this will continue to happen. If the signals are not correct going into the vehicle that means there is a problem n the vehicle side and could be a missing fuse or relay.

If everything on the vehicle does check out then that indicates the problem is on the trailer.

expert reply by: Michael H

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