Trailer Wiring Harness Taillight Converter is Blowing Fuse on 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan

Question

Question:

Hi I have a Curt trailer light wiring harness installed in a 2015 dodge Caravan. It worked fine for three years, but recently it wouldnt work and I discovered that the fuse attached to the power wire that runs from the battery to the converter at the rear of the car was blown. I replaced it and the new fuse blew in about three seconds with the car turned off and the trailer and lights not attached. I carefully examined all of the wires, including the power wire, and cleaned the ground that attaches to the car and then put in another new fuse. It also blew in about three seconds. Any idea what the problem could be? Bad power wire? Bad converter? Something else? Thanks, S. Matthews

asked by: Sidney M

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Expert Reply:

The converter has most likely shorted out and needs to be replaced. This will typically occur when one of the lighting circuits on the trailer shorts out, but you can certainly begin by examining that power feed to the converter box from the battery.

If that power feed checks out okay, you'd want to replace the existing converter with part # C56331. On the trailer, trace each of the lighting circuits from the trailer connector back to the lamps. Look for loose connections, broken or pinched wires and cracked or worn wire insulation that would allow the copper wire to short out on the trailer frame. Once the short is located and repaired, you can then replace the converter wiring harness.

I've linked to an install video for the wiring harness/converter and a trailer wiring troubleshooting article you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Answer 1

I am a little confused by what you mean. If the factory relay located in the fuse box on your 1993 Ford Ranger has burnt up when the trailer wiring was connected then you have a short in one of the circuits. In order to fix this you would need to…

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Answer 2

I do have a recommendation as Curt does not offer the replacement components that you are looking for on your Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C56331 for your 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. I have noticed is not everyone secures the black…

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Answer 3

You should only ground the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector #C56331 as directed by the manufacturer. That means when installing it you have to ground it to the vehicle frame and ensure it is free of any…

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Answer 4

The issue you described is likely attributed to the t-one connectors installed on the wrong side of the vehicle. The connector with the green and white wire goes on the passenger side and the connector with the brown and yellow wire goes on the…

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Answer 5

In regards to the Curt 2 to 3 Wire Tail Light Converter part #C56196, you will need to install diodes part #RM-690 between the trailer tail lights and converter. The "out" side goes to the tail light and the "in" side goes to the…

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Answer 6

I reached out to my contact at Hopkins and the Hopkins Tail Light Converter - LED Compatible #HM48847 you have should have a full 12 volts exiting the converter. She recommended checking that the ground wire is connected to clean, corrosion free…

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Answer 7

I think you may have a ground issue with the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C56331 on your 2013 Chrysler Town and Country. To verify if this is truly the issue you can disconnect the ground wire and run a jumper wire directly to the…

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Answer 8

The Curt 2 to 3 Wire Tail Light Converter #C56196 is definitely designed to separate out the light functions like you're wanting (Curt claims it won't work with LED lights but that's been debatable) but I do see the problem with your…

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Answer 9

First thing you should do at this point is test the 4-way of the wiring harness with a circuit tester like #ALL640595 for voltage on all of the right pins when the taillight signals are being applied. Just like in the video I attached. If the voltage…

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Answer 10

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 11

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 12

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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