Trouble Shooting 4 Way Curt Wire Harness On 2017 Ford Escape  

Question:

Expert Reply:

First I recommend getting a circuit tester or multimeter to help you in your troubleshooting. We have some like the Digital Multimeter with 42" Long Test Leads - XL LCD Display # PT29ZR or the LCD Digital Circuit Tester # PTW2992.

Use a 12V probe-style circuit tester to check for function at the 4-Way plug.
Have a helper sit in the front of the vehicle to engage the functions while you test.
(Powered Converter Only) Before testing the harness for function, remove the fuse on the power wire for 30 minutes, then reinstall it. This fuse should be located close to the vehicle battery, contained in a fuse holder. If the powered converter box has engaged its circuit protection feature, this will reset the box unless it was overloaded to the point where the internal connections were damaged.

Do not plug a trailer into the 4-Way plug until function has been verified with a circuit tester.
If any function does not have a correct power reading at the 4-Way plug, test the wiring going into the converter box from the vehicle side.

If functions are correct at the 4-Way plug, proceed to testing on the trailer.

Behind the Converter Box:
Test to ensure that the signals are going into the converter box from the vehicle side (Figure 2).
2-Wire vehicle: Green (passenger side) and yellow (driver's side) wires should carry turn signal and brake light functions.
3-Wire vehicle: Red wire should carry brake light function, turn signals should be on green and yellow wires.
If any function does not have a correct power reading, look for:

Connectors that are not securely seated together or were not plugged in flush.
Loose wires behind connectors.
Missing tow package/trailer wiring fuse(s) or relay(s).

Loose ground connection or weak ground connection.
Wires not connected to the correct wires on the vehicle.

I have linked a help article that will go into more detail and help you further trouble shoot these issues.

expert reply by: David B

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