Trailer Running Lights Not Working on 2012 Nissan Xterra

Updated 09/10/2020 | Published 05/30/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Relay Kit for Nissan Armada or Titan Aftermarket Tow Package

(161)

$33.76

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

(486)

$63.65

Question:

I have a 2012 Nissan Xterra and all but the running lights work on my trailer. I have tried it on multiple trailers and the blinkers and brake lights work but not the running lights. What fuses and relays could cause this issue and where are they located? Thanks!

asked by: Andrew D

Expert Reply:

The issue is likely the relay for the running lights. The relay is attached to a wiring harness which is located behind the passenger side kick panel near the passenger door (see picture). You should see a harness with 2 blue relays and a larger brown relay. If both relays are there, then the relay is likely bad and should be replaced with the Curt Relay # C57000.

If you do not see a harness with relays, then it is likely that the harness wasn't installed. Unfortunately, this harness isn't available by itself, so the best way to purchase this harness is with the Curt Wiring Harness # C56225. You can use the extra 4-way connector as a spare just in case something goes wrong with your current trailer wiring.

expert reply by: John H

click to enlarge

Eric

5/30/2020

I just installed the Harness Code: 118525 under the passenger side kick panel brand new out of the box and connected the 4-pin flat harness connector under the vehicle . Plugged the trailer in and i have turn signals and brake lights no running light . used multi meter on every fuse under the hood to check for bad fuse . no bad fuses . i tested the circuit fuse for trailer tow both sides of fuse have 13.8 vdc ( that means 13.8 in and thru the fuse to other side of circuit ) but have not dug thru wire schematics to trace vehicle wires . What pin can i test on the Code: 118525 connector to check for voltage though the relay harness

Chris R.

6/3/2020

There's not a really good way to test a relay - the simplest method is to just replace it with one that you know is good. On a lot of Nissan vehicles there's actually an additional relay that's needed in the fuse panel. Check out the answer page I linked below for more details.

Helpful Links

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Matt R.

9/7/2020

I have a 2012 nissan xterra pro 4x, and the cluster here is nothing like what is pictured. There is no blue or brown relays, and nowhere for them to go, it has 1 large white wire cluster that's just plugged into other wires, no relays and no where for then to connect to. Where else could this be located?

Jon G.

9/10/2020

I think that you either don't have the relays installed and that there are plugs where the relays need to be, or you need to follow the 2nd paragraph that John wrote about. You will be looking for a single large plug that you will then plug in the relay harness from part # 118266 into.