Trailer Tail Lights Not Working after Installing Tow Ready Wiring # 118491 on a 2010 Honda Pilot

Question:

Hi, I have the same issue as this one listed in your QA Trailer Tail Lights Not Working after Installing Tow Ready Wiring # 118491 on a 2009 Honda Pilot I have a 2010 Honda Pilot and installed the wiring kit 118491 I followed the troubleshooting that was listed in this QA and confirmed that my fuses are in the correct locations and are not blown. With a tester, I verified the left and right signals are working green and yellow wires. Also confirmed that no power is going to the tail light wire brown wire In this QA, looks like the users solution was to replace the relay switch. That is the only item I did not test. Could you please let me know how I could test that? And if its the problem, do you provide replacement relays or know where I could get one? Thanks,

asked by: Roger K

Expert Reply:

Thank you for advising the troubleshooting steps you have taken.

Installation of this trailer wiring harness # 118491 in your 2010 Honda Pilot requires you to insert components in four separate locations within the vehicle. The 4-pole wiring connects to the plug under the rear bumper; the 3 flat fuses and relay are to be installed in the forward of the two driver-side compartments (the one labelled Aux Fuse); the black box plugs into the harness behind the larger rear driver-side compartment; and the square 30A fuse installs under the hood in one of two fuse boxes (the one under the air intake on the drivers side).

Please refer to the included installation video demonstrating each of the four steps. The written instructions with illustrations are also included.

With the 4-pole harness disconnected test for a tail light signal at the vehicle connector. Use your tester to check for a tail light signal on the vehicle connector pin for the brown wire. If you detect a steady tail light signal at the vehicle connector then reattach the 4-pole wiring and test again at the 4-pole trailer connector.

If you do not have a tail light signal at the 4-pole disconnect the 4-pole wiring harness supplied with the kit and inspect for loose or bent pins on both the vehicle connector and the 4-pole harness connector. If the tail light pins (corresponding to the brown wires) are not making full contact, carefully use a small screwdriver to bend them so that they will make full contact with each other when plugged in. A small application of dielectric grease like # 11755 may help keep your connections free of corrosion.

There is no way to test the relay without it being installed, but my contact at Tow Ready advises that a replacement relay should be readily available at your local auto parts store.