Trailer lights wiring melted where connected to battery

265 Views 6 Replies 6 Participants Last post by leo42.2875, 5 d ago

miketakasaki

Discussion Starter · 5 d ago

I have a new 2023 Sportage and recently had U-Haul install a trailer wiring harness. It's been about 2 weeks since the installation and the connection wire to the battery is melted. It also drained the battery. Is this due to a faulty connector or improper installation. Any suggestions would be welcome. If anyone knows why it would get so hot and why it would drain the battery I have yet to even try plugging any lights in.
I heard Kia has a recall for trailer hitch wiring causing fires but I think that's for their own part.

See less See more

Save

1 - 7 of 7 Posts

TypeX

· #2 · 5 d ago

Is the wrong fuse in that box on the line? Or contact loop touching metal.

did you take any pics pre melting or after install?

also check the rules and update your sig and info or u will get locked up

GL!

Save

miketakasaki

Discussion Starter · #3 · 5 d ago

I assumed the connector has the correct fuse. It was a kit that U-Haul installed. I don't have pictures pre-installation or just after. I assumed everything was good and only looked after I encountered problems. No visible sign that cable was touching metal. I haven't even connected lights yet so don't understand how this could overheat and drain battery.

Save

RedGeminiPA

· #4 · 5 d ago

I can tell by looking at your picture that the wire was pinched. U-Haul needs to fix and replace ALL associated parts. If you have any issues requiring the dealer and warranty claims, Kia WILL void your warranty due to shoddy installation by U-Haul. I'd contact them immediately, and make sure they replace any damaged parts. I'd also have the battery and alternator load tested to make sure they aren't damaged. If they are, U-Haul is responsible for replacing those, too.

Save

Reactions: 1

davesupra

· #5 · 5 d ago

RedGeminiPA said:
I can tell by looking at your picture that the wire was pinched. U-Haul needs to fix and replace ALL associated parts. If you have any issues requiring the dealer and warranty claims, Kia WILL void your warranty due to shoddy installation by U-Haul. I'd contact them immediately, and make sure they replace any damaged parts. I'd also have the battery and alternator load tested to make sure they aren't damaged. If they are, U-Haul is responsible for replacing those, too.

I agree, it looks like the connector wasn't properly crimped onto the wire. I'm guessing that there was a little arcing due to the bad connection, which caused the wire to heat up. You got lucky that it didn't start a fire. :-o

Save

kpomeraning

· #6 · 5 d ago

Remember - that DC cable is only going to heat up or arc if there's a load or a pathway to ground. That tells me that somewhere else there's an additional problem with the wiring. Somewhere the copper in that positive wire has come in contact with the body or frame - so look for somewhere the wire was skinned creating a dead short.

Save

leo42.2875

· #7 · 5 d ago

If the inline fuse is still intact, the issue is between the fuse and the first connection at main power..

Save

Reactions: 2

1 - 7 of 7 Posts

Top Contributors this Month