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Trailer Lights Stayed On but Now Will Not Work when Connected to 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan  

Question:

Installed this wiring harness on my 2012 Dodge van last year and noticed that the lights would be on the trailer even if the lights were off on the van. Now I have no lights at all. Missed a day out on the lake because of this, what do I have to do to cure this problem.

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Expert Reply:

There may actually be 2 problems. First, you will need to test the 4-Way end on your 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan without the trailer connected to see if it is working. I have included a link to a help article that will help troubleshoot.

If the unit does not have power at all make sure that the fuse for the power wire isn't blown and that it is still attached to the positive battery terminal. You will also need to make sure that the unit is still properly grounded. You may need to re-establish the ground connection. I have also linked a video showing how to test the converter. Basically if the signals going into the converter from the vehicle are correct but not correct coming out then there is something wrong with the converter and it will need to be replaced.

If everything is working fine on the vehicle side then there could be something that is drawing power on the trailer side. You will need to check the wiring on the trailer and look for pinched wires or exposed copper strands touching bare metal.

You might also have a ground problem. Ground problems normally show up when there is more draw on a system such as when you have the running lights on and then use another function like a turn signal or brake light.

Make sure that the vehicle side and trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside and out. The main connector grounds should be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.

The light grounds should also be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. If there is anything between a light ground and the metal trailer frame or if the trailer has an aluminum frame, tilt bed, or folding tongue, any of these things can interrupt the ground. Running jumper wires from the light grounds to the main trailer connector ground can help.

expert reply by:
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Michael H

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