Trailer Running Lights Not Working When Connected to a 2006 Nissan Frontier

Question:

Hello: and heellllppp.. 2006 nissan frontier..Vehicle had 7way installed when I bought it used.....looks like factory or dealer installation...I installed new prodigy 3 controller....plugged in trailer lights...everything seemed to be operating .... then running lights went out...also nissan wiring seems to be small on the electric brake circuit... what do you recommend to hopefully correct these problems....forgot to mention all lights on trailer seems to work properly when i ran a jumper wire to trailer battery...thanks

asked by: Robert

Expert Reply:

First, you can verify if your 2006 Nissan Frontier came with a factory tow package by having a dealership run the VIN number to tell you what options it came with. If it did come with a factory tow package, it could be that the relays associated with the tow package running lights needs to be replaced. If it did not come with a tow package, then that relay may be missing. You can check the locations of the relays in the owner's manual.

You can use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 if needed to test the pins on the vehicle side connector to see if power is getting through on the running light circuit. If it is not, that would indicate the issue is on the vehicle and could indicate a relay problem or wiring issue.

Sometimes, the circuit will show power but when a higher load is put on it, like when the running lights are turned on, the running lights will not function. This can be due to a missing relay or a ground problem.

You may also have a ground problem. Make sure that the grounds on the vehicle side and trailer side are properly connected and attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. Also check the vehicle and trailer side connectors for dirt and corrosion.

expert reply by: Michael H