Troubleshooting a 2004 Nissan Pathfinder that the Trailer Wiring Blinkers/Stop Circuit Isnt Working

Question:

My tow lights are not working on my pathfinder when towing my boat the running lights come on but the blinkers and the brake lights dont work I think it is a fuse but the dealer says they are fine. Any suggestions?

asked by: Lisa

Expert Reply:

First thing you need to do is determine if the problem is on the trailer wiring or your vehicle wiring. To do that you will need to test the circuits of your 4-way on your 2004 Nissan Pathfinder with a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to check if the blinker signals are making it to your vehicle 7-way. Check out the video I attached that details how this is done.

If its on the vehicle side it sounds like you are missing a couple relays. There is a relay box under the dash on the driver-side to the left of the steering column. You will need to install part # C57000 in that relay box to complete the blinker/brake light circuits. One for the left side and one for the right side.

If you have those relays already in place you may need to replace them as they could be bad. You said your dealer checked fuses but I wonder if they also checked the relays.

If the problem is on the trailer side the first thing to check is the grounds of each light assembly. Make sure the assemblies are grounding to a clean metal surface. Some assemblies ground through the mounting hardware so you might check that they are attached to a clean metal surface as well.

I attached an FAQ on trailer wiring for you to check out also.

expert reply by: Jameson C