Troubleshooting Trailer Wiring Harness on a 2011 Jeep Patriot where Parking Lights Stay On

Question:

Installed a 4 pin wiring harness w t connectors on a 2011 jeep patriot..worked fine for alittle while but now parking lights stay on with car off..any help is appreciated..thx

asked by: Julie B

Expert Reply:

It sounds like the converter box of the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118552 that you referenced got shorted out. What you are describing sounds like what happens when a trailer wiring short takes out a converter box. You can use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to check for voltage coming in and out of the box to isolate the problem if you like.

You will want to test for voltage on the input side of the converter box with the correct tail light circuits activated and then also check it on the output side of the converter to see if the problem is on the box.

If you determine that the box is the problem you will want to find the short on the trailer before you install a new converter box. I would check for corrosion or cut wire near the connector itself and clean/repair as needed. From there work your way back to the tail lights fixing any wiring problems as you find them.

expert reply by: Jameson C