Troubleshooting Wiring Harness for 2002 Mazda Tribute With Tow Package

Question:

Hello, I have plugged in to the factory tow 4 way and I only have running lights. No turn signals and no brake lights? What should I do? Thank you!

asked by: jeff

Expert Reply:

I would first go to the connector behind the paneling in the cargo area on the driver side, into which you plugged the wiring harness.

Then, I would use a circuit tester on the factory connector to determine whether or not you are getting power on each of the four prongs. To do this, have a friend in the front of the vehicle flip the turn signals and press the brake pedal for you while you test each prong for power.

If you find that you do not get a power reading on all four prongs, it is possible that your vehicle is not equipped with the factory tow package, and you would need to use a T-One wiring harness like part # 118343. I have included a link to the instructions below, if needed.

If you do find that you are getting power to all four prongs, I would turn my attention to the wiring harness itself. The wiring harness for the 2002 Mazda Tribute models with a factory tow package should have a fairly simple design, like the custom-fit wiring harness we offer for your vehicle, part # C55255. You can visually inspect the harness for any exposed wire that may be touching metal.

Another possibility, if you find that the factory connector has power to all prongs, would be that the wiring harness is mis-wired. After you have found out which prong on the factory connector is performing which function, you can compare the connector on the wiring harness. If the two connectors are not wired as mirror images, you would need to redirect the wiring in the harness to the correct prongs in the connector.

The standard 4-Way wiring colors are:
White: Ground wire.
Brown: Tail lights.
Green: Right turn and brake.
Yellow: Left turn and brake.

I also recommend checking to make sure that the connectors are seating together correctly. Inspect both to make sure you do not see any bent prongs, and when you plug them together, make sure you hear a solid click from the locking tab.