Troubleshooting Reverse Lockout on a 2011 Honda Pilot with a Tekonsha OEM Wiring Harness Replacement

Question:

Purchased the tow package Curt wiring harness for my 2011 Honda Pilot. It doesn't seem to shut off my trailer brakes when I put it in reverse to back up the trailer. I checked power to the center pin on the vehicle when it is in reverse and there is no power. Checked the fuses and connections and can't find anything wrong. Another problem is that the trailer's tail lights stay on even with the vehicle shut off.

asked by: J P

Expert Reply:

The wiring harness # 118253 is designed to replace the OEM harness on a 2011 Honda Pilot. If your Pilot did not originally come with it then it may not be completely wired throughout the vehicle so the OEM replacement could work.

There are quite a few relays and fuses that need to be installed for the harness to work properly. Check the vehicle owners manual for the locations of any fuses/relays related to the trailer wiring to make sure everything is in the right place and functioning.

For the issue on the trailer side corroded trailer connectors and/or a bad ground could be causing some issues. Check the trailer and vehicle side connectors for dirt and corrosion and clean them out. It is also possible that the trailer is pinned out differently than the wiring harness on the vehicle. I have included a link to our wiring FAQ that has some diagrams of how it should be. You will most likely have to trace the trailer wires back from the connector to determine function.

expert reply by: Michael H