Running lights and side markers not working?

[MexicoMazda]

I have a 2011 CX-9 and wired a trailer kit to the driver's side tail light. The kit has 5 wires (Rt turn, Left turn, brake, lights, ground) that convert to the standard 4-pin trailer plug. I followed the instructions to a T and had all the right connections. Everything worked as it should.

However, halfway through my trip (a 24 hr. drive from Colorado to Oregon) the brake lights and running lights/side markers decided to stop working. Signals still worked. There was also a flicker in the rear left running light when applying the brake but no brake light. To me this indicated a short somewhere. Once arriving at destination I redid the connections to the driver's side plug. I originally stripped the wire needing to splice, wrapped the trailer wire around the exposed part, then electrical tape, for signal, brake, running light. I reconnected them using crimp connectors with dielectric grease inside of them.

Break lights work! Signals work! But ALL running light still do not work. These are the front orange side markers as well as all lights in the back (when the headlights are turned on). Headlights themselves work fine as do the turn signals (which are the same bulbs in front as the side markers). So bulbs are not the problem.

The BIG question: is there a fuse or relay for the running lights/side marker lights? I'm referring to all lights when you turn on the headlights, but not the headlights themselves. TIA

 

[TheMAN]

yes, everything is fused... the parking/tail lights should have its own fuse... that fuse is likely in the fuse box under the hood

 

[MexicoMazda]

yes, everything is fused... the parking/tail lights should have its own fuse... that fuse is likely in the fuse box under the hood

Any idea what fuse? There are two boxes under the hood and it does not appear to be for running lights. Would it be called "Tail"? I have not checked fuses in the box inside behind glove box, but they all look to be for interior things.

 

[TheMAN]

it might be called "tail"

your owners manual might have a diagram showing the fuse locations, did you look at it?

 

[MexicoMazda]

Ok update. Last night, while dark, I noticed that while parked I applied the brakes and the running lights in the rear came on, not the brake lights. Then I pressed the brakes again and only the brake lights came on. I drove about 20 mins and while driving neither the brake lights or running lights were on. This is not a fuse issue. It's shorting somewhere. I did read something about the brake switch. Anyone else with this experience?

 

[Bronco Boy]

Faulty trailer converter. Remove it and see if everything works properly.