Trailer Running Lights won't work!

[SteelNuttz]

Hey everyone, my trailer lights all work fine except for when they are plugged into my truck!

I have a 2009 Nissan Frontier, brake lights work, blinkers work, flashers work. Running lights do not work. Any suggestions? I have already checked the separate fuse and tried a different one to be sure, but it appears the fuse is ok. Thanks.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Trailer Running Lights won't work!

Turn ON the Trucks Tail Lights.
On the Trucks Trailer Connector ...
Place a volt meter Between Pin #1, Ground, White ... And Pin #2, Tail Lights, Brown.
If you do not read 12 Volts, start Tracing the Brown Wire forward.

The most common failure point is the ScotchLok Connector where the Brown wire Taps into the wiring harness.
"It Looks OK", does not count!

 

[SteelNuttz]

Re: Trailer Running Lights won't work!

I can see the connector on the underside of my truck, can I buy a new one of those anywhere and plug it in to try?

 

[SteelNuttz]

Re: Trailer Running Lights won't work!

I just found the harness on etrailers. I'll try to take it off tonight and make sure it looks clean and reattach it and see if that helps. Thanks.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Trailer Running Lights won't work!

I can see the connector on the underside of my truck, can I buy a new one of those anywhere and plug it in to try?

Throwing Parts at a problem that you have not identified is an expensive way repair anything.
Find the problem first. It may very well be a 25 cent fix.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Trailer Running Lights won't work!

Day time running lights? Check your manual. May need to be running and in gear.

 

[SteelNuttz]

Re: Trailer Running Lights won't work!

I did a little more research last night, and apparently for the Nissan Frontiers, there is a relay inside the passenger side behind the kick panel. I may not have one, and if I don't it's like a $60 part to buy. I may just end up running it without the running lights, it seems so stupid that it has to be this complicated.

I unplugged the harness last night and receded it and still nothing.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Trailer Running Lights won't work!

... I may not have one, and if I don't it's like a $60 part to buy...

Is this a new setup?
Did it used to work, and now it doesn't?

Does the Frontier have a Factory Tow Package installed, or does it have a Trailer Light Converter installed?
The Converter is usually located inside of the Port Side Tail Light Assembly.

 

[SteelNuttz]

Re: Trailer Running Lights won't work!

I'm not sure if it's factory or not, I bought the truck used. The plugs that are on the driver's side on the frame under the bed appear to be professionally installed, but I'm not sure if it was sold that way initially or if it was an add on after purchase...

Is there a way I could tell? Thanks for all of your responses by the way.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Trailer Running Lights won't work!

The Factory Tow package will include the Factory Relays, The Additional Transmission Cooler, and a "Built into the Rear Bumper" Receiver;
If you don't have these, you probably don't have the Factory tow package.

Pull the Driver's side tail light assembly.
If a Converter was added it will be obvious from all the Wire Taps on the Harness.
This will be the same place the brown wire also would most likely have the problem.

 

[SteelNuttz]

Re: Trailer Running Lights won't work!

I think I might have the two package then...it has two harness connectors that are attached to the frame near the back, and it also had the receiver screwed on underneath the rear bumper. I'll have to check it all out. Do you know what the "passenger side kicker panel" is? If I do have the tow package, the relays that I need to check out our in there.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Trailer Running Lights won't work!

Do you know what the "passenger side kicker panel" is? If I do have the tow package, the relays that I need to check out our in there.

It's just in front of the passenger door, under the instrument panel.

 

[carey965]

Re: Trailer Running Lights won't work!

also if you have a factory tow package check your fuses, my truck has a separate fuse for the running lights, i know it is a different truck but who knows with car companies they could do the same thing

i found there to be a short in the trailer that keeps popping the fuse, so for now no driving at night for me

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Trailer Running Lights won't work!

It's just in front of the passenger door, under the instrument panel.

Yep! ^^^

Sit in the Passenger seat.
Kick your foot to the right.
The Panel you just Kicked if the "Passenger's Kick Panel".