Trailer Running Lights Stopped Working After Installing 4 to 5-Way Adapter on 2011 Nissan Xterra

Question:

I purchased the 4 to 5 pin adapter for a 2011 Nissan Xterra and following the instructions on the video I was able to connect the adapter. However, my running lights on my trailer do not come on. My turn signals and brake lights do but not my running lights. I have a separate 2006 Dodge Dakota that uses a 7 to 5 pin adapter and the running lights come on with it. I have tried connecting it to the red or black wire that is shown on the video but neither one turns the running lights on. I even went as far as checking the fuses of the vehicles to make sure they did not burn out. Why would running lights not come on but everything else does?

asked by: Jonathan R

Expert Reply:

On Nissan vehicles, part of the tow package wiring, or when adding new tow package wiring, includes relays that control various functions. There is a relay for the running lights and if it is blown or missing then the running lights will not function. The running light relay should be located in the in-cab fuse panel, but you will want to check the vehicle owner's manual to confirm its location. That particular relay can be obtained at a Nissan dealer.

Since you have found no issues with any fuses and the trailer lights work on a different vehicle, the only thing left would be a relay. The only other possibility is that something is wrong with the adapter. You would need to test just the 4-Way on the vehicle using a circuit tester like # PTW2993. If the 4-Way on the vehicle is working properly but it stops working when you connect the adapter, then there is something wrong with the adapter and it will need to be replaced.

expert reply by: Michael H