How to Test Hopkins Converter kit # 46155 For Internal Short

Question:

I have hooked it up but have only marker light power coming out of the plug. I have power going in for marker, both turn and brake lights but only marker coming out. also no brake lights Could the plug be bad or any other idea?

asked by: Bob K

Expert Reply:

If you have 12 volts on the power wire of the Plug-N-Tow (R) Short Proof Powered Taillight Converter # 46365 and you tested it like you did then the converter has an internal short and would need to be replaced. Also make sure the fuse holder has a good fuse in it too.

Test the wires going into the box of the converter box for voltage with a circuit tester like the # PTW2993 to see if there is voltage going into the box when the taillight functions of your vehicle are applied, and then test the output side of the box to see if the current is making it through the converter. If not then the problem is that the converter box has shorted itself out and would need to be replaced.

Before you replace it you will want to inspect the wiring of your trailer to see if you can find anything that would cause the box to short out like corrosion or cut/exposed wiring. These boxes don't usually go out unless there is a short on the trailer that takes it out.

If there isn't input voltage for the converter then the problem is the wiring of the wiring kit. You will need to check to make sure it's making a solid connection to the correct circuits.

expert reply by: Jameson C