Recommneded Trailer Wiring Connector for 2003 Nissan Xterra

Updated 05/09/2015 | Published 05/08/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Tow Package Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector - Nissan Xterra

(114)

$19.93

Curt Powered Tail Light Converter w/ 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit

(141)

$164.32

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$13.03

Question:

Hello. I bought a 4flat converter for my 03 xterra . i see the tow package cap near rear passenger side under bumper by spare. I pulled back sleve there is four wires red/blue black yellow and green. My question is can i splice those and connect them to the converter kit wich colors are red brown yellow and green white is ground. Yes or no ?

asked by: Chandler

Expert Reply:

If you have the connector behind the bumper, your Xterra could already have an active tow package. Use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 on the sockets of the existing plug to see if its functional. Have a helper activate the right turn, left turn, running lights and apply the brakes as you probe the connector. On two of the pins, you should get signal with both the turn signal and the brake lamp.

If this all checks out, all you'll need is part # 118244 which would plug directly into that plug you found. The signal is already converted, but if you already had a converter lying around and you wanted to use it, you could use it as you described. You'll need to use the tester to determine which wire from the connector serves which purpose. The yellow converter wire connects to the left turn circuit, green to the right, brown to the running lights, white to ground and you would also ground the red wire.

If you don't get signals at that plug, it means that your Xterra didn't have the tow package and the plug isn't active. It's possible that all you'll need to do is install some relays to activate that plug, but you'd need to check with your Nissan dealer about that.

Otherwise, you'll need to use the hardwired converter, part # C59496 and tap it into the taillight circuits behind the taillight assemblies in the cargo area.

expert reply by: Mike L