Troubleshooting Left Turn Signal/Brake Lamp Circuit on Trailer Connector 2005 Nissan Pathfinder

Updated 07/27/2015 | Published 07/25/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(462)

$52.40

Replacement Wiring Harness for Curt T-Connector Nissan Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Way Plug

(70)

$18.59

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

(148)

$168.05

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(65)

$13.35

Question:

When I last used my pathfinder to tow my trailer last year all the lights worked, when I hooked it up this year I can only get the right side signal and brake lights to work, I have checked all the fuses even the two hidden under the dash. I have no power to the 4 prong trailer plug at the rear of the truck for the left side signal, brake, or clearance lights would the kit you sell solve this problem or would it be better to take it to a mechanic? There is no power to the factory plug at the back where the 4 prong plugs in to.

asked by: Terry

Expert Reply:

If the applicable fuses and relays aren't blown, but power isn't reaching the 4-pole plug left turn/brake light pins, then there's probably a cut wire someplace between the fuse block and the trailer connector. Try tracing the 4-pole to the connector it plugs into. Unplug the 4-pole and use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 on the pins of the connector as a helper activates each turn signal function. If you're getting the left turn signal at this connector, simply replace the 4-pole assembly with part # C55441. If you're not getting a left turn signal, there's a couple of different alternatives for you.

1) As mentioned, you could take the vehicle to a mechanic.
2) You could simply use a Hardwired Taillight Converter like part # C59496. This wiring harness would wire directly into the taillight circuits, completely bypassing the factory tow package. If this were a newer vehicle, I'd probably recommend repairing the factory tow package, but given the age of your vehicle, this would be the most cost-effective alternative.

expert reply by: Mike L