kruegs
New member
Ok, so here's the deal. I spent the day today replacing my stock trailer light wiring on my 99 Limited with the Hopkins Wiring kit for the 4Runner, the #43415. My 4 flat connector on the hitch was corroded beyond belief and I figured it would be better to start clean. I also had read that the stock "black converter box" tends to go bad... so for less than $30, I figured a full replacement was in order.
I got it all hooked up and PROPERLY grounded. ;-) I also bought a 4 wire flat tester to test everything out. Amazon.com: Hopkins 48655 4-Wire Flat Tester: Automotive
With the headlights off, everything works as advertised. LT and RT lights together when the brake is applied (as shown on tester LED's). LT with just the left signal, RT with the right. Here's where it gets interesting....
When I turn my headlights on, the TAIL indicator on my flat tester comes on which is correct, however the tester does not register when I use either the brake, or turn signals with the lights on. No LED indicator for either LT or RT when the headlights are on.
I've tested and re-tested ground a million times. Everything is grounded properly. I even replaced both of the rear tail light bulbs as a precaution thinking the filament might be causing an issue. Nothing.
My last theory is that this might be causing my issue: Toyota 4Runner Highlander Electrical Modifications Fog Light Mod This is the independent fog light mod. I am grasping at straws, but my thought is that maybe this mod is causing a separate issue which is only seen when the lights are on? This mod basically allows the fogs to be turned on whenever the parking lamps are on.
Anyone with trailer experience have any nuggets of wisdom before I go nuts on this thing?
Thanks
Mike
I got it all hooked up and PROPERLY grounded. ;-) I also bought a 4 wire flat tester to test everything out. Amazon.com: Hopkins 48655 4-Wire Flat Tester: Automotive
With the headlights off, everything works as advertised. LT and RT lights together when the brake is applied (as shown on tester LED's). LT with just the left signal, RT with the right. Here's where it gets interesting....
When I turn my headlights on, the TAIL indicator on my flat tester comes on which is correct, however the tester does not register when I use either the brake, or turn signals with the lights on. No LED indicator for either LT or RT when the headlights are on.
I've tested and re-tested ground a million times. Everything is grounded properly. I even replaced both of the rear tail light bulbs as a precaution thinking the filament might be causing an issue. Nothing.
My last theory is that this might be causing my issue: Toyota 4Runner Highlander Electrical Modifications Fog Light Mod This is the independent fog light mod. I am grasping at straws, but my thought is that maybe this mod is causing a separate issue which is only seen when the lights are on? This mod basically allows the fogs to be turned on whenever the parking lamps are on.
Anyone with trailer experience have any nuggets of wisdom before I go nuts on this thing?
Thanks
Mike