Problems With Trailer Light Functions Using Curt Wiring Harness C55355 on 2001 Pontiac Montana
Question:
my boat trailer has been towed by three different vehicles with no problems. unfortunately cant get wiring harness 55355 to work properly between my boat trailer and my van2001 pontiac montana with load leveling suspension. have hooked it up to my boat trailer, a relatives trailer with l.e.d lights and even took it to a trailer rental company with same results. i am on the third harness. with the first harness i had running lights and brake lights, but no signal or hazard lights. tested harness at trailer end with volt tester van running got 10 to12 on running lights and 8 to 10 on signals but when connected to trailer only 3 to 6 on signals. On second harness, running lights, brake lights and right turn signal would work. i would then try left signal which would not work so would switch back to right signal and it would not work unless i unplugged trailer and plugged it back in. exposed pin at end of harness for plugging into trailer even heated up on one occasion now on third harness everything works til i change from right to left or vice versa or switch to hazards then it is just running and brake lights working til i unplug trailer and plug back in then back to square one. is it my van or the module on the harness like i have keep getting told, which is my reason for being on harness number three. Thank you
asked by: Ken E
Expert Reply:
Thank you for detailing your considerable efforts to troubleshoot the trailer lighting malfunctions you are experiencing with your 2001 Pontiac Montana equipped with Curt Tail Light Converter # C55355.
Since you have tested the trailer with other vehicles and it has worked properly then the trailer would seem to have been eliminated as the source of the problem. Still, I suggest you check your trailer manual to confirm how much current is drawn by its lights. Curt T-Connector Harness # C55355 has a rated current capacity of 3 amps per stop/turn light circuit and 7.5 amps per tail light circuit. This is the highest capacity of all converters we offer for your Montana; all can be seen on the link provided.
If additional aftermarket lights have been added to the trailer these will draw more current and may possibly exceed the converter capacity. If this were the case it would possibly explain why other vehicles (which might have trailer wiring with higher current capacity) were able to function properly with your trailer.
You indicate that the exposed ground pin on the 4-pole vehicle connector has actually heated up. This should never occur and indicates either a defect or damage at the converter or a problem upstream in the vehicle wiring. It is possible that a problem within the Montana wiring (upstream of the converter) has damaged the three units you have connected. You can use your circuit tester like # PTW2993 to test the wires leading to the input side of the converter for proper signal as you engage each lighting function.
Take special care that the white ground wire on the input side of the harness is tightly affixed to a clean rust- and paint-free metal surface. You can use sandpaper to clean the spot for the ground wire to ensure solid metal-to-metal contact. This is critical for proper operation.
You can also check your vehicle tail light connectors for any signs of damaged, bent or corroded contacts. Check that the wires leading into the connectors (both on the vehicle and on the harness) are firmed attached to the connector contacts. Also check that the connectors are fully seated together and locked into place. You can also verify that the fuses for your Montana lighting functions are secure in the fuse holders and that the fuses are of the correct values as indicated on the fuse block. The linked troubleshooting article provides additional guidance.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
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