Trailer Brakes Lock Up with a 2011 Nissan Xterra
Updated 09/17/2018 | Published 09/15/2018
Question:
I have a 2011 Nissan exterra that I have installed a 7 pin wire harness. All parts just plug into each other and I had already had a 4 flat installed so all of the relays are in place behind the kick plate. When I hook the vehicle to the trailer the brakes lock up on the trailer and I have no lights. Not sure what’s going on. Any information will help. Thank you.
asked by: Todd
Helpful Expert Reply:
The issue you described is a very common problem on 2005-2013 Nissan Xterras. The manufacturer had switched the blue brake output wire and black 12 volt wire which then caused the brakes to lock up when the trailer connector was plugged in. The good news is that it is an easy fix which entails just switching the wires back around which can be seen in the attached help article.
The above issues is however not really going to cause the trailer lights to not work. Therefore, your first step would be to check the fuses and relays to make sure they are not blown. If not then you will need to move onto the ground for each trailer connector in addition to tracing the wires back to check for shorts. If none of the lights are working then odds are you have a blown fuse(s).
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: brake controller
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Nissan Tow Package Wiring Harness 118266/118267 - 7 Way Harness Installed and Electric Brakes Locked
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - Up to 3 Axles
- Shop: Classic Accessories PolyPro III Deluxe RV Cover for Teardrop Trailers up to 10' Long - Gray
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Troubleshooting 7-Way Install on a 2012 Nissan Xterra
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Brake Controller Installation on 2013 Nissan Xterra
- Q&A: Switch 12 Volt Power and Electric Brake Wire on Wire Harness for Nissan Xterra, Frontier, Pathfinder
- Q&A: Solution for Brake Lock Up After Trailer Wiring Install on a 2012 Nissan Xterra
- Q&A: How to Remove the Pollack Black Plastic 7-Pole Connector
- Shop: MaxxFan Mini Plus Manual RV Roof Vent w/ 12V Fan - LED Light - Black
- Q&A: Replacing MaxxAir Mini MA00-04401M With MaxxFan Deluxe MA00-07500K
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Video: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags with Easy Mount Compressor Feature Breakdown
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Review RED24FR
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Video: What to Know About the Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
on Accessories and Parts
