Tips for Installing Trailer Wiring Harness # 119175KIT on a 2000 Nissan Maxima

Updated 06/25/2012 | Published 06/24/2012

Question:

I have a 2000 Nissan Maxima SE sedan. A couple of days ago, I ordered the 119178KIT online. So, I havent received the kit yet. Should I purchase heavy duty flasher-bulbs for my car, or will the original ones work with the kit just fine? Also, I decided to use my Fieldpiece multimeter to see what the functions on the wires are. Can you verify that my findings are correct? DRIVERS TURN SIGNAL: Theres a thick green wire coming from the bulb to a small connector pin. Then a thin green wire w/ yellow stripe goes from that small connector pin to a bigger connector pin. PASSENGERS TURN SIGNAL: Theres a thick green wire coming from the bulb to a small connector pin. Then a thin green wire w/ black stripe goes from that small connector pin to a bigger connector pin. TAIL LIGHT SIGNAL: Theres a thick green wire w/ white stripe coming from the bulb to a small connector pin. Then a thin red wire w/ blue stripe goes from that small connector pin to a bigger connector pin. BRAKE SIGNAL: Theres a thick green wire w/ yellow stripe coming from the bulb to a small connector pin. Then a thin red wire w/ green stripe goes from that small connector pin to a bigger connector pin. The bigger connector pin in all four functions is the same one. There are not four, but just one bigger connector pin. Are the functions that I matched to the thin wires w/ a stripe that go to the big connector pin correct?

asked by: Adam S

Expert Reply:

First, you will not have to purchase different bulbs, the factory ones in the car will work fine with wiring harness # 119178KIT.

Normally we have customers use the included circuit tester to find the correct wires. Using your multi-meter is even better. We have not had the chance to install this harness on a 2000 Nissan Maxima so I cannot tell you what the wire colors are. But if you do re-test the wires and come up with the same functions as you have here, that would indicate you have the correct wires.

The problem with vehicle wiring and the colors used is that it can vary from year to year and even within the same model year, depending on what the factory has available at the moment. It is always best to test.

With that said everything you have said seems to be correct. When you do make the wiring connections, try to get close to the tail light and tap in there. The brake signal, left turn, and running lights will all be connected on the left side. The ground will need to attach to a bare metal surface in the trunk area. Only the right turn signal green wire will get routed to the right side.

expert reply by: Michael H