Replacing plug - first post!

Buzzard86 · 12-22-2012, 04:15 PM

Hi guys-

Newby here, first TT post. I just picked up a 2004 Titan this week. 117k, king cab with big tow. Plan to use it as a second vehicle and also to tow our camper.

My question: I looks like the previous owner backed into something and damaged the round connector for the trailer wiring. The mounting bracket's bent back and the plug connection is mangled.

How hard is this to replace? I looked briefly and tried to trace the wire back to a connection point but could find not find one. Also, do I need to replace with oe or will something off the shelf suffice?

Can post pics if that would help, but won't be home for a few days due to Christmas.

Thanks for your help. Happy holidays.

Jim

**4mula1fan** · 12-22-2012, 04:45 PM

Cut the messed up one off and get one from the parts store. Check all the wires with a test light and splice the new one in.

Buzzard86 · 12-22-2012, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4mula1fan

Cut the messed up one off and get one from the parts store. Check all the wires with a test light and splice the new one in.

Thanks. Just didn't want to start cutting wires if there was a plug that I was missing.

Jim

Shogunles · 12-23-2012, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buzzard86

Thanks. Just didn't want to start cutting wires if there was a plug that I was missing.

Jim

Nissan will charge yo 4 times what it would cost in an auto parts store. Only difference the after market will probably not be the same color coded wires to connect. Like he said you will have to test each wire to see what it is for. Also, make sure to get the right connector for you trailer. It will probably be a 7 pin. Cut close to the old connector as possible so you will have enough wire. Not too hard. Hardest part will be figuring out what wires do what.

baseballfanz · 12-23-2012, 11:20 AM

Something like this
OEM Trailer Wiring Harness

Buzzard86 · 12-23-2012, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baseballfanz

Something like this
OEM Trailer Wiring Harness

I was literally looking at that harness at WalMart about 30 minutes ago. I suspected that it would work but was admittedly thrown off by the Ford/GM/Dodge labeling.

Without sounding like a simpleton, is my understanding correct that I would just cut off that round connector and wire it into my existing harness?

I like this one in particular because it has both the 7- and 4-pin connectors. Current popup is just a 4-pin but I hope to upgrade to a larger trailer soon.

Thanks.

Jim

**4mula1fan** · 12-23-2012, 02:59 PM

No cutting if you get one for a T. Plug and play.

Shogunles · 12-23-2012, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buzzard86

I was literally looking at that harness at WalMart about 30 minutes ago. I suspected that it would work but was admittedly thrown off by the Ford/GM/Dodge labeling.

Without sounding like a simpleton, is my understanding correct that I would just cut off that round connector and wire it into my existing harness?

I like this one in particular because it has both the 7- and 4-pin connectors. Current popup is just a 4-pin but I hope to upgrade to a larger trailer soon.

Thanks.

Jim

After seeing this one they should make one for the T. Check the Internet. i know Hopkins makes a 3 way connector. 7,6 and 4 pin. Better to get that one because buying adapters can get expensive.

Furrner · 12-24-2012, 11:45 AM

Plug and play

Hopkins 40975 7-Way Round / 4-Way Flat Socket and Bracket : Amazon.com : Automotive

tcoche · 12-25-2012, 03:39 PM

This is the one I bought when I relocated mine to the bumper.

Plug and play...only 19 buks

Amazon

Sent from my iPhone using AutoGuide.com App

Buzzard86 · 12-28-2012, 08:30 AM

Ok, so I am kind of confused about whether I should be able to plug and play or if I'll need to splice in a new plug. Here's a picture of my current connector. The truck has the big tow package but I don't think that the po used it as a tow vehicle. The plug was damaged and caked with dirt. When I cleaned it out I think that one or two of the pins had corroded away.

I am presuming that a splice is in order but am inserted to get feedback based on the picture. Thanks.

**4mula1fan** · 12-28-2012, 09:28 AM

Follow the wire up under the truck. There you will find where it plugs into the wiring harness. Unplug the connecter and plug in the new one. Mount it to the hitch with the supplied bracket and presto.

**beason** · 12-28-2012, 10:54 AM

Mine has a plug right on the back of the part you are holding. The part that is in the bracket separates from the wire leading to it.

Buzzard86 · 12-28-2012, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beason

Mine has a plug right on the back of the part you are holding. The part that is in the bracket separates from the wire leading to it.

Well, whaddya know. I chipped more of the dirt off and lo and behold there was another connection right on the back of the plug. I was able to remove the broken part and was left with the clean round connector that I've pictured. This looks like it should work with any of the plug and play options suggested earlier in this thread.

Needless to say, I am psyched! Thanks to everyone for your help. My new truck needs lots of TLC so I'll be posting many more questions, but hopefully I can scratch the trailer plug off my to-do list.

Thanks again!

Jim

Shogunles · 12-30-2012, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buzzard86

Well, whaddya know. I chipped more of the dirt off and lo and behold there was another connection right on the back of the plug. I was able to remove the broken part and was left with the clean round connector that I've pictured. This looks like it should work with any of the plug and play options suggested earlier in this thread.

Needless to say, I am psyched! Thanks to everyone for your help. My new truck needs lots of TLC so I'll be posting many more questions, but hopefully I can scratch the trailer plug off my to-do list.

Thanks again!

Jim

You have a lot or rust on that hitch. Judging from your picyures. Make sure you inspect the entire hitch to make sure the welds are not rusted through completely. If so you should consider replacing the hitch or at least welding it where it needs. If the welds are good, you may want to scrub the rust with a stainless brush and spray it with Rustoleum. It will look much better. I did that with my 04 because the rust was drving me crazy. Came out real good. Good Luck.