Troubleshooting Intermittent Trailer Lights When Plugged Into 2003 Nissan Pathfinder

Question:

When I hook up my trailer that has no issues with 2 other vehicles I have tried, I turn on the right signal and it functions properly. I then try the left signal and nothing. If I disconnect the trailer plug for a few seconds and reconnect it, the left signal will function, but then I try the right and it no longer works. If I have someone press and hold the brake, both left and right signals will function as long as the brake lights are on. The 4 to 3 wire converter is grounded to a factory ground point in the vehicle, and testing the vehicle plug with a multi meter each function shows 12.8Vdc. This is the 2nd converter this vehicle that exhibits the same issues. The converter is not a powered one, is this possibly what I need as the trailer must be overloading the circuit somehow. The converter is one that simply plugs into the vehicle wiring. It has me totally stumped!

asked by: George C

Expert Reply:

It could be that your trailer is overloading the circuits on your 2003 Nissan Pathfinder but usually when this is the case all of the wiring manufacturers have a 12V power wire lead included with the aftermarket kit. Since this isn't the case it makes me wonder if there is a bad pin or something like that on your vehicle tail lights. I recommend removing your wiring, like the T-One # 118361, and testing the same functions on the OEM plugs for your tail lights. If you get the same result then something is loose with your OEM wiring. If everything functions as normal then it's possible (although very unlikely) that you received 2 bad wiring kits.

I didn't see an order from you so if you decide to replace it again I recommend the T-One I mentioned above. I'm also attaching a helpful article about troubleshooting trailer wiring for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G