12 Volt Warning Lights Stays on After Install 4 to 7-Way Converter on a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder

Updated 04/25/2013 | Published 04/16/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Adapter 4 Pole to 7 Pole and 4 Pole w/Test Lamps

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$41.73

Pollak Circuit Breaker - Cycling/Automatic Reset - 40 Amp - Straight Mount Bracket

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$7.96

Question:

After reading the expert answer and watching the video my question is this. If the Curt 4 way - 7 way #C57674 is installed properly and wired directly to the battery, the 12V warning light will remain on when the vehicle is turned off and keys removed. Does having this red light on 24/7 run down the vehicles battery?

asked by: Michael C

Helpful Expert Reply:

First we need to determine why that light is coming on in the first place. If it is coming on after you have installed adapter # C57674 then there is either a draw on the circuit or the vehicle thinks there is. Normally this is caused by a dirty trailer connector or corrosion but since it is a new installation that does not seem likely.

The 12 volt power wire (black) is supposed to be installed via a 40 amp circuit breaker, # PK54540. If connected directly to the battery, that may be an issue. If there was any corrosion where you installed the power wire or if there is a nick in the wiring leading back to the 7-Way that is touching metal that can be causing a short.

Whether or not that light will drain the battery depends largely on how much power it draws. It is not likely to draw too much power and if you drive the vehicle every day then it should be fine.

expert reply by: Michael H

Michael C.

4/18/2013

I do have a 40 - amp inline circuit breaker PK54540 installed. Its wired with the copper terminal to the tow vehicles battery and silver terminal to the Curt C57674 4-7 way adapter. There is no corrosion or nicks in the wiring, The red 12 volt light is still on. Any other ideas or recommendations would be appreciated?

Patrick B.

4/25/2013

I think Michael misunderstood which light you are talking about. I believe he thought you meant a dash light. If you are referring to the LED on the back of the trailer connector, it will remain on since it is wired directly to the battery. It should not have any ill effect on the battery as it is an LED and draws very little amperage like an LED on a cell phone charge you may leave plugged in. In order to get the light off, you will need to connect that 12V feed to one of the power posts on a power distribution block under the hood that is only active when the key is in the ON position.