Brake and Turn Signals Are Not Working On Trailer Towed by a 2006 Honda Ridgeline

Question:

Running lights work on the trailer but no turn or brake. These are working on the truck. I have checked the harness wire at the plug in but can not get the test light to work except for the running lights.

asked by: Dale H

Expert Reply:

If your 2006 Honda Ridgeline came with a factory 7-Way trailer connector and it was working before but now it is not, check the vehicle owners manual for the fuse/relay locations related to the tow package wiring to see if any need to be replaced. That is the most likely cause.

If the trailer wiring was added aftermarket then there could be a ground problem or a dirty/corroded connector. Check the grounding location and make sure that it is attached to a clean and corrosion free bare metal surface. Test the connector again with your test light to see if the circuits all work.

If not then there is an issue further forward on the wiring harness that you will need to track down by testing the wires as you go forward on the truck to see where there may be a break in the wiring.

If the wiring harness works but then you are using the adapter # 37385 that you referenced and the lights are not working, that indicates a problem within the adapter and it will need to be replaced.

If the trailer connector and adapter work on the vehicle side then the issue is most likely a bad ground or dirty/corroded trailer side connector. Check the main trailer connector ground and make sure it is attached to a clean and corrosion free bare metal surface. Do the same for each of the lights.

If you have a tilt trailer or trailer with a folding tongue then you will need to run jumper wires from the grounds at the lights to the main trailer connector ground.

expert reply by: Michael H