Trailer Hitch Wireing

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May 6, 2010 | 01:11 PM

nicker22

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Trailer Hitch Wireing

The other day I went to use my trailer hitch and connect to a trailer. WHen I connected to the trailer I found that the rear lights on the trailer were on. My turn signals work and my hazards work. Now when I hit my brakes the brake lights on my truck come on and the lights on the trailer go off. So I got my probe out and tested my harness. I have a constand power to my left and right lights. Step on the brakes and the power stops. I tested before my converter and its fine no power after the converter there is power. Very strange. I thought my converter was messed up. Bought a new on and connected it up and have the same issue. Im puzzled. Could this be a ground or could the power wire from my battery be grounding out ? Everything was working last fall.

thanks

May 6, 2010 | 07:22 PM

gjnicholas

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From: south Louisiana

have you checked the ground alot of times when you have a bad ground it will do that

May 6, 2010 | 07:42 PM

nicker22

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I will check again I did but im not 100% sure its a good place for a ground. Im going to check again. For anyone with escapes or I guess any vechicle....where did you ground your wire ?

thanks again.

May 6, 2010 | 08:40 PM

aj7885

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converter?

What converter? the Escape uses relays for circuits to the 4 wire trailer plug. If you wired to the taillight circuits with an aftermarket plug, you will have problems. I dont think the circuits for the trucks lights can handle the current for additional lights(i.e. the trailer).

May 7, 2010 | 07:53 AM

scottss80

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He may have an aftermarket wiring harness. My Escape didn't have the tow package, so I put an aftermarket hitch and wiring harness on. At some point the box in my wiring harness went bad and I had to put a new one on. Sounds like checking for a better ground may be a good place to go. Unfortunately my daughter drives my Escape now and she's 72 miles away, which makes me no help to you in your situation, sorry.

May 7, 2010 | 09:12 AM

nicker22

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I didn't have the factory tow package so I had to put an add on wireing harness on. Didn't get time to check last night but tonight will try an alternative location for my ground. Presently its grounded behind my left tail light. Id personally rather ground it inside if I Can.