Trailer lights not working

[Kimba2]

99 4Runner Original highlander sport tow package is not working properly. Running lights work on trailer when hooked in, but brake and blinkers do not. We tested it and it is the truck, not the trailer. Where is the connector? It's all enclosed when I try to follow the wires. Any help would be greatly appreciated as we are ready to go boating this weekend!!

thanks - Kimba

99 highlander version 4Runner (and loved)

 

[CJ3Flyr]

99 4Runner Original highlander sport tow package is not working properly. Running lights work on trailer when hooked in, but brake and blinkers do not. We tested it and it is the truck, not the trailer. Where is the connector? It's all enclosed when I try to follow the wires. Any help would be greatly appreciated as we are ready to go boating this weekend!!

thanks - Kimba

99 highlander version 4Runner (and loved)

I would check all the fuses. Sometimes trailer lights have their own fuse. Your T4R also has a box to convert the wires to function with US spec lighting. The converter box may be dead. It's a box something like this... http://www.reese-hitches-online.com/elec_circuit.html

:cheers:

 

[BuckyBadger]

try the simple fix first before going into the wiring, if you haven't already done so take some electronics spray ( i just end up using WD40) and spray your contact connections on the 4R. It does not take a lot of build up/corrosion on the contacts for it not to make a good connection.

At least give this a shot to see if it helps, I have done this a number of times when I am not getting all the lights to work. ONce I spray a few times to clean all the contact points it works. This has normally happened to me on the trailer connection point of the wiring harness connecting to the vehicle, but maybe you have some corrosion on the vehicle connector.

good luck

 

[Kimba2]

thanks for your replies - but where is that connection? Is it behind the tail lights somewhere - do I have to take the panel off in the back of the 4Runner? I can not follow the wires to where that connector is.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

thanks for your replies - but where is that connection? Is it behind the tail lights somewhere - do I have to take the panel off in the back of the 4Runner? I can not follow the wires to where that connector is.

All I can do is guess... It's usually in the back close to where the trailer connector is. Good luck!
:cheers:

 

[Kimba2]

maybe an answer?

for those wondering, I am going to try inside the back of the vehicle, on the left side the panel between the wheel well and the tail light pops out (and hopefully pops back in with clips) to access the connector. wish me luck!

Kimba

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Re: maybe an answer?

for those wondering, I am going to try inside the back of the vehicle, on the left side the panel between the wheel well and the tail light pops out (and hopefully pops back in with clips) to access the connector. wish me luck!

Kimba

That should be a good start. If that fails look under the vehicle near/above the hitch.

 

[maine runner]

Trailer wiring converter.

Are you sure it is the truck? If you have tested the harness on the truck with one of those handy $4 testers ....read on.

The trailer gets it's power and signals from the tails. Toyota's turn signals are on a shared wire so the trailer wire needs a converter to know which is left turn and which is right.

On my 99 LTD, the converter box you are looking for is mounted behind the cargo bay trim on the left side (when looking from the back).

They are not fused so they tend to blow.

A replacement from Toyota is an obsene amount of money > $200.

I would not remove the existing but rather install a new one.

I installed an aftermarket converter that plugs right into the tail light plugs. Only had to route one wire over to the other side. I tucked it behind the inside cargo wall on the right side, under the storage box. $30.00

Check Napa, Autozone, etc for one that is specific for Toyota 4 Runner.

One looks like this:

Came from thiswebsite

Steps to access converter:

Remove the sill cover screws. Gently pry up. There are clips. Pry close to the clip so they don,t break.

Remove the cargo cover latches.

You want to pry the side panel out just enough to reach in and access the connector. Be gentle.

 

[racedirt1]

I had a similar issue, first thing I did was hook up the trailer to another vehicle to see if it was the trailer or the 4Runner. For me it was a issue with the 4Runner. Look under the back bumper and you should see the wiring harness, I unwrapped mine and found one of the connections was shot due to corosion. I play in some deep mud so that was the cause.

Stripped a little wire and put on a new connector and it was all fixed.

 

[aqualung]

Sounds like I need this converter box installed/replaced on my 2000 4runner limited. Anyone local to the San Diego area that wants to do this for me and make a buck? Shoot me a PM please.

 

[fourwd1]

I think we have a winner for oldest resurrected post

 

[Videophotog]

Thank you thank you thank you all @t4r !!!

I had a 2009 Tacoma and severely damaged it working in disaster response Drone operations for hurricane IRMA in 2017. I traded what was left of it for a 2011 4Runner I just love! With lots more electrical options and limited time to troubleshoot I tried asking several persons at Toyota Dealers about the running lights because there was limited info and they never worked---- But to the rescue!!! This message board! A post led me straight to the fuse in seconds and it was solved!!! The big mystery was that someone had removed the fuse from the correct slot which (and no making excuses for being either impatient or ignorantly lacking thorough tracing) I just want to say--- Thank you all who contribute!!!


Dan