Troubleshooting Camper Brakes Locking Up With 2014 Nissan Xterra

Products Featured in This Question

Cordless Circuit Tester

(14)

$19.54

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way Trailer Connector

(375)

$81.00

Question:

Hello , I have purchase a plug and play tekonsha #118266. When I connect the camper harness to my xterra the camper brake locks on so I can’t tow. Just to check the harness and relay was ok I had also purchased a Hopkins #47345 led light test. Going through one of your YouTube videos, I can terrify that the way the LED’s light up on the Hopkins says the tekonsha harness is fine However,as stated , when I go to connect the camper electrical harness to the back of the xterra again and try to pull away , the camper brake comes on and locks up the camper wheel. What is the fix please?

asked by: Michael S

Expert Reply:

From what you are describing, with the brakes locking up when you are trying to pull away with your 2014 Nissan Xterra, it sounds like the brake controller is wired incorrectly as opposed to an issue with Harness # 118266.

It may be that the red wire from your controller is not wired to the cold side of the stop light switch. Use Circuit Tester # PTW2979 and find the wire that has power only when the brake pedal is pressed and connect it to the aforementioned red wire.

Should that not be the issue it could be a short on the brake output circuit or improper ground as well so go over your wiring and also ensure that your grounds are good. I have added a link to a help article on troubleshooting brake controllers which I strongly recommend taking a look at.

expert reply by: Kyle S