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need help figuring out trailer wiring issue
#1
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need help figuring out trailer wiring issue
hey all - i need help trying to figure out a strange problem i am having with the trailer wiring hookup next to the hitch on my '98 4runner. basically, i have only been able to get current on the wire that controls the running lights of the trailer. i took a tail-light bulb and was testing the different wires in the connector. the running lights work, but brakes and turn signals do not. i can't find any fuses related to this connection, so i don't really know what to try next. any help is greatly appreciated. thanks,
wally
wally
#2
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Mine is the same way. None would work when I bought my truck, so I used my dremel tool to clean the round connections inside the hook-up part. My running lights work now, but the others still do not. I have not investigated further since I never really pull my trailer. I would like it to be fixed when I do use it though. I guess I need to check to see if I am getting current to those connectors.
Maybe that is your problem. Just a guess.
Maybe that is your problem. Just a guess.
#3
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Shorts........
Ohm the wires that are not working to ground and also to each other. They should read 0. I have a 98 also I will try to get some readings on mine in the morning. Good luck
#4
Originally Posted by wallstrum
hey all - i need help trying to figure out a strange problem i am having with the trailer wiring hookup next to the hitch on my '98 4runner. basically, i have only been able to get current on the wire that controls the running lights of the trailer. i took a tail-light bulb and was testing the different wires in the connector. the running lights work, but brakes and turn signals do not. i can't find any fuses related to this connection, so i don't really know what to try next. any help is greatly appreciated. thanks,
wally
wally
good luck on your search...
#5
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This thread may help
There is a black converter box located inside the left rear cargo panel which takes independent stop/turn and combines them for trailer stop/turn. Place a voltmeter or bulb on the inputs and see if things work. This box costs $200 from Toyota, and it doesn't protect itself very well from trailer wiring shorts. Go to Pep Boys or Autozone and get a replacement converter for $30 or $40.
There is a black converter box located inside the left rear cargo panel which takes independent stop/turn and combines them for trailer stop/turn. Place a voltmeter or bulb on the inputs and see if things work. This box costs $200 from Toyota, and it doesn't protect itself very well from trailer wiring shorts. Go to Pep Boys or Autozone and get a replacement converter for $30 or $40.
#6
I have the same problem on my 99 4Runner with the Toyota 4-prong trailer hook-up. Does anyone know if the converter box is behind the left or the right rear cargo panel on a 99 Runner? Or somewhere else? I've looked in the obvious places, like inside the taillights.
#7
Originally Posted by HB
I have the same problem on my 99 4Runner with the Toyota 4-prong trailer hook-up. Does anyone know if the converter box is behind the left or the right rear cargo panel on a 99 Runner? Or somewhere else? I've looked in the obvious places, like inside the taillights.
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#8
The converter box on the 99's are located behind the left panel, get this replacement box, it's a direct bolt in unit, no splicing of wires:
http://www.kwikhitch.com/miva/mercha...gory_Code=wire
http://www.kwikhitch.com/miva/mercha...gory_Code=wire
#9
Originally Posted by BruceTS
The converter box on the 99's are located behind the left panel, get this replacement box, it's a direct bolt in unit, no splicing of wires:
http://www.kwikhitch.com/miva/mercha...gory_Code=wire
http://www.kwikhitch.com/miva/mercha...gory_Code=wire
#10
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Originally Posted by Unhappy99
This thread may help
There is a black converter box located inside the left rear cargo panel which takes independent stop/turn and combines them for trailer stop/turn. Place a voltmeter or bulb on the inputs and see if things work. This box costs $200 from Toyota, and it doesn't protect itself very well from trailer wiring shorts. Go to Pep Boys or Autozone and get a replacement converter for $30 or $40.
There is a black converter box located inside the left rear cargo panel which takes independent stop/turn and combines them for trailer stop/turn. Place a voltmeter or bulb on the inputs and see if things work. This box costs $200 from Toyota, and it doesn't protect itself very well from trailer wiring shorts. Go to Pep Boys or Autozone and get a replacement converter for $30 or $40.
update: well, luckily i got a digital multimeter from my dad for my birthday. i tested for current at the harness on the bumper, and had the same signal i figured out earlier (taillights, no brake / turn signals). tore out the plastic trim on the driver's side rear of the car, and found the toyota converter box. i had signal going into the box, but not coming out of it. i ordered a new convertor (not toyota, as it looks like from all the research i did that they commonly go out) from here: <http://www.kwikhitch.com/miva/mercha...uct_Code=63415>. it should be here on saturday; if i don't make another post in this thread, assume that it fixed the problem. thanks for all the help,
wally
p.s. this is the company that makes the convertor box: <http://www.trailerwiring.com/>.
Last edited by wallstrum; 04-21-2004 at 01:11 PM.
#11
The only difference with the new kit is the box needs to be routed on the passenger side, but since you need to loosen that side to get to the connector plug, it's no problem to install it. But if your intent on mounting it on the drivers side, simply switch the turn signal wires at the connector.
#13
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I just had this issue on my 98 4Runner. I ordered the Hopkins kit part number 43415 from Amazon. At the time of this post, it was $30. It's the plug and play kit. One gotcha I experienced is that while my factory converter was on the inside of the drivers side panel, the Hopkins needs to be placed and connected on the passenger side. I discovered that when the blinkers were opposite to the truck after it was all connected.
I had the same issue as the OP, running lights worked but no brake or turn signals. Happy motoring!
I had the same issue as the OP, running lights worked but no brake or turn signals. Happy motoring!
#14
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I had rewire my whole socket on the back of my runner, I had to trace back wires, the guy that had it before me, had cut wires out from the loom and tapped them back into the rear tail lights, it was a nightmare. But nothing a multi-metre couldnt fixed. Ended up tracing back all the wires and set up the socket so it would suit any trailer that i pulled into it.
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