Troubleshooting Trailer wiring on a 2011 Nissan Juke Where StopLights Dont Work but Blinkers Do

Updated 04/27/2016 | Published 04/24/2016

Question:

Hello. I ordered the plug and play wiring harness and the trailer hitch addition for my 2011 Nissan Juke. I have everything all put together. The problem I am having is that the brake lights arent working on the trailer. And when I hit the blinker the blinkers work, until I hit the brake then they turn off. Also the side Amber lights on the trailer arent lighting up. The problems are all with the trailer. The lights on my car are working fine. I think this may be a problem inside the little box on the harness. Thank you for your help.

asked by: Patrick M

Expert Reply:

What you described sounds like an insufficient ground. But first you should check to make sure the 4-way is working properly with a circuit tester like part # 3808. Check out the video I attached to see how to do this.

Find the main grounding point on the trailer by tracing the white wire from the trailer connector. This wire will usually ground to the trailer tongue. Make sure this connection is tight and that the connection is not corroded. Then check the ground connection for each of the trailer lights. Trailer lamps can ground in one of two ways, either by a separate ground wire from each lamp that attaches directly to the trailer frame or through the mounting hardware being in direct contact with the trailer frame. If these connection points are loose or corroded, tighten and clean as needed.

I attached a help article on trailer wiring troubleshooting for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C