Xterra trailer wiring

[pat8839]

Hey guys,
I am towing my boat with a 2010 Nissan Xterra. It did not have a towing package from the dealer-I purchased a hitch and wiring kit and installed myself. My problem is that the running lights do not work. Turn signals and brake lights work just fine.
The wiring harness that I got is a simple single plug in underneathe the truck with a 4-pin plug into my trailer. I have checked what seems to be every fuse in the truck but am at a loss what may be wrong.

Any suggestions?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Xterra trailer wiring

a 2010 Nissan Xterra.

Ayuh,... Isn't that a typical Japanese rig with divorced turn, 'n brake lights,..??
If so,...
A standard 4 pin Won't work....

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Xterra trailer wiring

...you most likely need a five-pin-to four-pin converter to get all your lighting functioning. (on-line, trailer supplier, Wally World AND iBoats!! http://www.iboats.com/Attwood-Road-...72285585--**********.024097745--view_id.38138 )

 

[dsmmace]

Re: Xterra trailer wiring

You might have to add a underhood relay to make the lights work.

 

[pat8839]

Re: Xterra trailer wiring

I was afraid that I would need extra parts...we checked and there is no power that comes thru to the running lights wire on the trailer from the truck (sorry I can't remember what color it is).

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Xterra trailer wiring

I was afraid that I would need extra parts...we checked and there is no power that comes thru to the running lights wire on the trailer from the truck (sorry I can't remember what color it is).

...should be BROWN.

 

[109jb]

Re: Xterra trailer wiring

All this stuff about divorced brake/turn signals has absolutely nothing to do with the running lights. Besides, he already said the brake and turn signals were working fine. Not getting power to the plug means there is either and open circuit somewhere or a missing/blown fuse. I believe that some Nissan vehicles require a relay to be installed to have the running lights work. A quick search for trailer harnesses forr the Xterra came up with this note for most of the kits:

Note: Frontier and Xterra Nissan Xterras must have the factory tow package for the harness to function properly.

Call your local Nissan Dealer.

 

[scipper77]

Re: Xterra trailer wiring

Go to harbor freight, get a trailer tester. Make sure the issue is with the truck.

 

[scipper77]

Re: Xterra trailer wiring

Looks like you got the wrong wiring kit. I'd bet you got the kit for an Xterra WITH the tow package.

http://www.etrailer.com/t1-2010_Nissan_Xterra.htm

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Xterra trailer wiring

Looks like you got the wrong wiring kit. I'd bet you got the kit for an Xterra WITH the tow package.

http://www.etrailer.com/t1-2010_Nissan_Xterra.htm

Ah Ha !! As I previously suspected!!!

In the link above the kit WITHOUT towing package has the 5 to 4 converter in-line!! The kit for a vehicle with the package already installed does not.

 

[scipper77]

Re: Xterra trailer wiring

Ah Ha !! As I previously suspected!!!

In the link above the kit WITHOUT towing package has the 5 to 4 converter in-line!! The kit for a vehicle with the package already installed does not.

I guess you could call that a 5 pin ti 4 pin converter. But that makes it sound like there is already a 5 pin harness.

I really don't like this kit with the scotch locks. But I guess that's the best they have for a 2010 xterra.

To the OP, I hope the link I gave helps you. I have gone through e-trailer before and I highly recommend them. They are a well respected and reputable company.

 

[pat8839]

Re: Xterra trailer wiring

Thank you guys! Looks like that leaves me some exciting wiring work to do! I appreciate your advice!

 

[109jb]

Re: Xterra trailer wiring

Check the link below. It says you need an additional harness, and relays from the dealer.

http://www.clubxterra.org/forums/showthread.php?t=6380

 

[pat8839]

Re: Xterra trailer wiring

I went and got the wiring harness and relay bit from Nissan yesterday. I will install it this weekend and post how it went. The relay bit goes in the kick plate at the passenger's feet. I've read that it is a pretty easy job, but we all have heard that before!!!

 

[scipper77]

Re: Xterra trailer wiring

Please let us know if the relay works for you. Seems like a much easier way to go than the kit I linked you. Pictures would be great also.

 

[pat8839]

Re: Xterra trailer wiring

I installed the relay kit over the weekend and voila! I have running lights! install was VERY simple!! I removed the plastic that runs along the door jam-there are 2 hooks on the horizontal section and 2 more on the vertical section. Then there is a little triangle piece to pull out (sorry I forgot to take pictures of these pieces. After that all you have to do is find the vacant plug receiver for the relay kit. Wrap the relay fuses up into a bundle so they are not flapping around, plug in the relay kit, put your 2 pieces of plastic trim back on, and you are ready to go!
Here is a sketch of the plastic trim along the door, the dongle with the relay fuses before I wrapped them, and the plug/receptacle where you plug the relay dongle into.