Troubleshooting Intermittent Trailer Light Functioning on a 2001 Kia Sportage

Question:

Hi their I have. A 2001 Kia sportage I have Purchased a towpackage with everything included that i needed to hook a trailer up put it on with no problem hooked it up to my trailer and have no brake lights sometimes but sometimes I have left but no right and some other times I have no turn signals this is on the trailer itself so I figured it was a bad ground but it wasent I have parking lights all the time and I found out when I have somebody hold the brake on and unplug the connector from the truck to the trailer and plug it back in I have everything brack lights turn signals with no problem but If i let it sit for about a min and try it again I get everything but right brack light its not the trailer I had my buddy come over with his truck it works all the time so I know its not the trailer its like the flasher isent strong enough for the current to keep up I hope you could help me out it will be highly appreciated thanks

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

Bizarre tail light behavior on a trailer is almost always due to a bad ground. I would recommend you check the ground you used for the tail light harness and make sure it is connected to a clean metal surface. You might even try a totally different location for the ground. You could even try running the wire up to the negative side of the battery just to rule out the possibility.

If that does not fix it I would try uninstalling the trailer wiring harness and reinstalling it. There may be a connection that is not making perfect contact.

I attached installation instructions for you to check out also.

expert reply by: Jameson C