After seven glorious years of trouble-free trailer lighting, I plugged in the trailer this year and had nothing at all.  I got out the multi-tester and got weird results on the vehicle side of the connector.  I plugged in one of those little LED trailer connector testers and got inconsistent results... sometimes all the LED were lit, sometimes just one, sometimes one stayed on even with the vehicle ignition off and keys out.

 

A continuity test on the trailer found good continuity to ground for all three pins.

 

I unplugged the trailer light module I had added to my tow vehicle (2009 Subru Forester) and the connections had a lot of white corrosion on them.  So I guess I need to replace the plug-in module I installed when I got the boat.   I can't remember the brand of the unit I originally installed.  Is there a preferred brand to shop for when I order a replacement?

 

Thanks for any tips!

I just looked at the etrailer.com web site and saw a comparison review of the three available trailer light modules for my Forester.  The one I had that failed is the Curt.  I just ordered the T-One (Tekonsha) brand module.  It is a bit simpler, using the vehicle's wiring harness ground rather than requiring an additional ground be added.  More importantly, the electronics are potted where the Curt's were not.  I will be sure the connectors are coated with dielectric grease when I put it together this time.

Try spraying the contacts with DeoxIT D5

Tom

9 minutes ago, WRB said:

Try spraying the contacts with DeoxIT D5

Tom

I'll second that. I use DeoxIT on everything electrical. Not only removes corrosion but helps prevent it from forming.

That's the first thing I tried.  I have Deoxit Gold and Silver in liquid form, and an aerosol spray version.  It cleaned up the corrosion but the module is non-functional.  I have a new, better one on the way...

 

Thanks!