Taillight Converter on Trailer Wiring Harness Not Functioning After Short Circuit in Trailer Wiring

Question:

Hi, I installed product 118561 on my 2016 Honda CRV. I pulled a trailer that had a short in it and it blew the fuse. I replaced the fuse and the brake lights work and the turn signals work, but I am not getting any power to the trailer lights. Does that mean that the harness is bad or is there another fuse that may have been blown too?

asked by: Robert C

Expert Reply:

If you've replaced the 10A fuse in the yellow fuse holder where the power wire for the taillight converter of the # 118561 wiring harness attaches to the vehicle battery and you're still not getting any power output to the trailer, then the converter has been blown and the harness will need to be replaced.

Some might consider this a bad thing, but look at it this way- the converter did its job and prevented the surge from the short from passing into the vehicle wiring where it could have caused considerable damage. Curt offers a slightly less expensive option as part # C56158 but I'd honestly go with the Tekonsha # 118561 as they seem to be a little more reliable in the long run.

Before replacing the wiring harness, be sure to go over the wiring in your trailer to ensure that the short has been repaired, or you'll continue to short out taillight converters.

I've linked to an install video that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L