Relay: flasher/turn signal; trailer lighting issues

[smurfalicious]

: here, posting because I have an issue.

This weekend I installed a hitch on my '01 Pathfinder LE. I also had to install the trailer wiring/conversion kit. Before putting everything back together again, I tested my rear lights. Everything works fine except - no turn signals. The left signal blinked about 3 times at normal speed and stopped working. No right turn signal OR emergency flashers either. I disconnected all the trailer wiring and put it back to the original configuration, however, still no dice. The brake/tail/reverse lights all work fine. It's just the turn signals/flashers that don't work now.

- no burnt bulb(s)- no burnt fuse(s)

I'm thinking it's the relay... but I don't know whether it's the flasher relay or turn signal relay.

Also, even if I knew which one of those I need to replace, I can't freakin find them to begin with. My Haynes manual leaves everything to the imagination.

I want to not replace the relay, but upgrade it to the heavy duty relay which is suggested for vehicles that will be towing trailers.

I'm at a loss. Any help that anyone can provide to me would be fantastic. I would like to fix this myself. And I'm sick of getting the "dumb woman" routine from every parts store in South Florida. I don't know much, but I'm not a *complete* idiot.

[hannibal]

Maybe the added trailer lights were too much for the relay and destroyed it?? Download an FSM and it should tell you where the flasher relays are. You can pull the old relay and see if it still works.

Dont quote me on this, but I think there are just 2 flasher relays: one for the left side and one for the right. The emergency lights just activate both relays at once.

I assume the heavy duty flasher relay is just designed to handle more current.

FSM'shttp://www.phatg20.net/modules...id=76

[smurfalicious]

Maybe the added trailer lights were too much for the relay and destroyed it?? Download an FSM and it should tell you where the flasher relays are. You can pull the old relay and see if it still works.

Dont quote me on this, but I think there are just 2 flasher relays: one for the left side and one for the right. The emergency lights just activate both relays at once.

I assume the heavy duty flasher relay is just designed to handle more current.

FSM'shttp://www.phatg20.net/modules...id=76

You ROCK!! Thanks!!!!

[nissandoms47]

just add another relay to your turn signal circuit and it'll get its own power. shouldnt be hard at all.

[MisterEd]

I have the same problem with the blinkers not working on the trailer after connecting the wire harness kit from my '97 Pathfinder to the trailer. Also, the left blinker worked for about 3 blinks and that was it it for the left and right blinkers on the trailer. The Pathfinder's lights still function normally.

I did notice that the trailer blinkers can be turned on only if the brake pedal is depressed while the turn signal is engaged. Once the turn signal is blinking, the brake can be released.

Is this a relay problem? If so, is this the relay near the airbag? I didn't attempt to disconnect the airbag yet to reach the relays. Is there an open spot to add a relay or am I supposed to replace the relay with a higher amp one?

[greengumby]

just add another relay to your turn signal circuit and it'll get its own power. shouldnt be hard at all.

agreed ..if you needed a constant 12v for power brakes for the trailer. i would tap into the signal harness + side only since the trailer harness has a common ground. Since the bulbs are in a parallel ckt they shouldn't draw that much off the relay. Double check all grounds to make sure all is connected correctly.

[MisterEd]

This trailer is has a GVWR 2000lbs, so I don't have brakes on the trailer. All the grounds are good. This is a 4 pole system. I just ordered an LED light kit, hoping that it will work because they don't require as many Watts to run. Thanks for the advice.

[MisterEd]

The LED kit worked. However, before you buy another light kit, be sure that all your connections are good, including the wires that attach to the contacts in the actual light fixtures.
Make sure it's grounded as well before buying a new light.kit.