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Wash41's avatar
Wash41
Explorer
Oct 03, 2020

Tail light wiring for towing

My 2020 Chevrolet Equinox was wired for towing. Now, when it rains or I go through a car wash, I get a signal that the tail lights are malfunctioning. The turn signals flash quickly similar to a burned out bulb. After a couple days, it returns to normal function. RV dealer technician is unable discover source
  • i can't tell if the OP is talking about towing with the Equinox or using it as a toad.:h
  • I second KTSOV with his question. Does your Equinox have the 2.0T engine that came with the hitch and tow wiring? If so, take it back to the dealer for warranty service.

    If it was wired by the RV store, the wiring harness they used plugs into the light socket, and then the harness socket to the light. They did not get the socket sealed correctly, and moisture is getting to the taillight electrical system or into the trailer plug causing the issue. Was it installed on the exterior of the vehicle?

    I installed my 4-way plug to be inside the vehicle and just hang out the hatch when needed.
  • If anyone is have problems with your truck display not recognizing that the trailer is connected your left and right turn signal flashing rapidly in the truck, here is the solution. This connector will save your days and hours trying to hunt down the problem.

    Curt
    7-Way RV Blade LED Electrical Adapter (Not a Wiring Extension) #57003
    MSRP $31.75 USD

    Enables vehicles with a 7-way RV blade socket to recognize LED trailer lights 7-Way RV Blade LED Electrical Adapter (Not a Wiring Extension) #57003
    MSRP $31.75 USD

    Enables vehicles with a 7-way RV blade socket to recognize LED trailer lights
    Built-in, integrated resistors for computers that don't recognize LED lights
    7-way connects tail, brake, reverse, turn signals, brakes and auxiliary power
    Simple plug-and-play design eliminates the need for cutting or splicing
    Spring-loaded dust cover keeps connector clean when not in use
  • When you say wired for towing, from the factory or you took it somewhere?
  • Depending which side of the stage you’re on depends how long you got before this is a daily issue ! Lol

    If it’s the place they installed it, raise he!!
    If it’s not, then find someone else to fix it or trace the work that was done to find the connections susceptible to water.
  • Rain, car wash = moisture across electrical connections, especially when it clears up after a couple of days. It could be at the module that is plugged in to the car wiring harness, if in an where water could be present.
    The first place that I would check would be the receptacle on the front of the car to make sure that it is dry and clean. If the cover seal is not good, the receptacle could be filling with water, consequently shorting across the terminals.
    Use electrical contact grease on all connections, umbilical cord to car and even on the module (if you have one) to help eliminate moisture issues.

    Ken