Signals at trailer connector stopped working?

DNTELLIS2

MEMBER
2004 HONDA PILOT

Electrical problem
2004 Honda Pilot All Wheel Drive Automatic 52000 miles

LT/RT signals at trailer connector stopped working.
Tail lights work OK. I'm using a small testor/plug that has lights that illuminate when that light is selected.

I was testing and - ultimately - replaced the wiring harness on my utility trailer when, during the process, those lights stopped working. They work ok on the car.

I have the wiring diagram which shows a trailer lighting control unit. Where is this and is it accessable to me - or do I need to get at it at all?

Many thanks.

Dave Ellis

6 Replies

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

Ok if you don't have already then you need to get a plug in simple wiring harness for the car. This will allow you to simply plug into the tail light harness with no cutting and it also converts you tail / turn being seperate on the car to work with a 4 wire that is on most common trailers. Drawtite number 18336 here is a pic of it. This makes things very easy and don't mess with the ABS systems or traction control systems so everything works normal.

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Saturday, August 1st, 2009 AT 8:47 AM

DNTELLIS2

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From racefan966 the suggestion was purchase and install a new trailer light harness. Thanks, but I'd rather repair the one already installed. Its routing is behind the left side trim panel and cargo box behind the third seat and out a hole in the bottom of the body to the hitch frame.
Can somebody locate for me the "trailer lighting control unit" shown on pg. 2 of the exterior lamps circuit (Mitchell 1 on-line Manual) of my '04 Pilot? That and the in-line fuses locations are not described on the diagram page.

Thanks,
Dave

PS. E-mail is; dntellis2@yahoo. Com. I was not notified of this response there.

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Sunday, August 2nd, 2009 AT 12:37 PM

DNTELLIS2

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I solved the problem and will share.
In my case, it wasn't the wiring harness, it was the right brake light/turn signal circuit in the light assembly itself (it looked fine--no corrosion, etc.). It blew one of the in-line fuses (7.5 amp) in the trailer wiring circuit. These can be easily located underneath the rear trim panel that is between the cargo box and the back of the car. They will release if you pull up on the panel carefully, as will the four "hooks" that attach to the back of the cargo box. (Remove the cargo lid first, just open then lift up.)The in-line fuses(2) are in that white connector- like box next to the trailer lighting control unit. Slip off the control unit cover that attaches to the back of the cargo box and remove the bracket that holds the unit in place (hex-head machine screw)for easier access to the wires.
When replacing the rear trim panel, be sure the fuse assembly is properly located in the channel provided on the underneath side or it won't fit on. Also, be sure to return the back edge of the panel to the channel in the rear door seal.

Hope this helps anybody. Cost me a trip to the dealer.

Maybe next time I can get more help from this web site.

Dave

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Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 AT 6:06 AM

RACEFAN966