P2 Brake Controller Does Not Show Trailer Connected when Trailer Connected to 2011 Nissan Frontier

Question:

I have a Nissan Frontier 2011 Crew cab 4x2 - SV 4 doors 6 foot box. I have installed the Nissan Tow Package Wiring Harness with Relays, 7-Way Part Numbers 118266 and the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller Part Numbers: 90885, 3050-P. Without any issues. The lights on the trailer are working fine: signal lights, hazard light, brake lights. But, no C displayed with trailer connected on the Prodigy P2. Did I forget something? From the Tekonsha website it could be: Open on brake circuit blue wire, power back feed on brake wire blue wire, trailer has electric over hydraulic brakes and control set for electric brakes this is not my case, brake circuit has incorrect resistance on electric brakes, open on ground of brake circuit or a faulty control. Since the Frontier is pre-wired, i have my doubt about the wiring issue. Any clues?

asked by: Eric G

Expert Reply:

One quick way to determine if there is any issue in the wiring between the brake controller and the newly installed 7-Way is to perform 1 simple test. Disconnect the trailer. Then use a circuit tester such as # PTW2992 to test the brake output pin on the 7-Way while someone sits in the 2011 Frontier and applies the brake controller manual override. The brake output pin is in the 5 oclock position.

If there is power on that pin when you perform this test then the issue is on the trailer. If it does not have power when the test is performed then there is some issue with the wiring on the vehicle. If the brake controller does not power on at all then it is likely missing the fuse. Use the owners manual to find any fuse and relay locations for the tow package wiring.

If the issue is on the trailer then there are a few likely causes. First, make sure the trailer connector is clean and free of corrosion inside and out. Make sure the main trailer connector ground and the grounds for the brake magnets are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.

Inspect the power wires for the magnets and if the wiring is pinched or sandwiched anywhere or otherwise has copper strands touching metal that can create a short. If the magnet wiring looks good then the next step is to visually inspect the magnets. If you can see the copper windings coming through then the magnets will have to be replaced.

To further test the magnets you can follow the help article I have linked for you.

expert reply by: Michael H