Trailer Lights and Fuse Problems for a 2010 Chevrolet 2500 HD Trail Lights Blowing Fuses
Question:
i have a problem blowing fuses when i connect my tailer to the truck. everything works other then the running lights. i have connected the tailer to 2 other trucks and everything is working fine. i also checked over the trailer for breaks in the lines or bad connection and found nothing wrong. i took it to the dealership and they said they didnt know what was wrong witch i didnt think they did a good job trying to figure it out. any ideas would help befor i take it to someone else and pay them to try and figure it out.
asked by: Justin
Expert Reply:
Since you have connected other trucks to your trailer and do not see the same problem, lets isolate the truck from the trailer. Inspect the connection at the vehicle for any loose connections, damage to any connector pins or wires associated with the trailer wire connection. You can use a circuit tester, I would recommend # PTW2993, to make sure that there is power being properly delivered to the trailer by your connector. I have included a link to the circuit tester kit part, a video link demonstrating the tester kit, and a link testing a vehicle wiring harness. It is possible that the running light (brown) and the 12 Volt (black) are shorting each other out at the truck connector, and if that is the case and the trailer is connected, the trailer will complete the circuit and continue the short.
Also check to see if there is evidence of corrosion on the connector to your truck or on the pins. It is possible that the corrosion has spread to the inside of the connector and the connector may be causing the short.
To further isolate this as a problem, see if you can connect your truck to another trailer and see if the same problem arises.
If after checking the truck, you do not see any red flags and with the information that you have provided it is possible that there is a short in the trailer wiring. I know that you have already checked the trailer wires, but I would suggest re-inspecting for any issues such as: pinched wires, damage, corrosion, exposed wires, discoloration, worn areas or cracks in the insulation, or any indications that might interrupt the continuity from power source to the running lights. If there is damage to the trailer wires, it is possible that the damaged wire is creating a ground to the trailer and shorting out the system. Additionally, make sure the ground wire at both the vehicle and the trailer is properly attached to a metal surface.
I would also inspect the connection point on your vehicle to the trailer, making sure it is a secure connection, inspecting for any wiring damage, or corrosion on the trailer connector. You indicated that you have checked other trucks with your trailer connection, and everything is working fine, however wiring on different vehicles may have a different tolerance and may not indicate an issue or blow a fuse.
Another place to check is the connection point at the running lights. Make sure that the connection to the lights is secure and there is no indications of corrosion or damage at the light bulb connection point or mounting bracket.
Also please make sure that the fuse that keeps blowing is replaced with the appropriate replacement capacity fuse. You can check the owner's manual or legend on fuse box to make sure that you are using the proper fuses.
I have included links to our trailer wiring articles including troubleshooting 4- and 5-way wiring installations, and a trailer wiring diagram. As well as a link to a troubleshooting video for finding a trailer short.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
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