Connector for towbar electrics on X Trail

04-06-2008, 19:45

I knew it wouldnt be long before I was reaching out to you all for soem assistance

:

The new tow bar has arrived and to keep costs under control I didnt opt for the vehicle specific wiring loom (£56 + VAT!). I have the cable (7 wires) coming from the 7 pin socket and under the X Trail I have found a square 6 pin socket that looks as though it runs from the rear lights wiring loom from with the boot. The question is, is this specificall for the tow bar electrics, and in the absence of the female connector (which wasnt supplied with the tow bar because I'm a cheap scate!!) does anyone know where I can get one (local stealer not interested) or what the corresponding colours are so I can branch into this loom (assuming it is for the tow bar elcetrics) and I'll do it myself withoiut looking for a socket.

Here's hoping (although looking at the lack of X Trails and number of Terrano's I suspect I amy struggle - go on - prove me wrong

: )

Peter

jims-terrano · 04-06-2008, 20:43

What you need to do is get hold of some way of testing the pins on the connector to see what they do. You can make something with a couple of wires and a 12v bulb. However it may be better to purchase or borrow either a multimeter or a purpose made cicuit tester. The circuit tester is often the easiest thing to use, it's basically a wire with a croc clip on one end and the other end has a screwdriver type thing with a light in it. Have a look at this ebay item to see the tool that I mean http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/6-12-VOLT-CIRC...QQcmdZViewItem

What you need to do is test between each pin of the connector and the car body to see which pin does what. Have a look at this link to see the connections for your 12N socket (trailer lights) http://www.electronics2000.co.uk/dat...ut/trailer.php

When you make any connections ensure that they are made correctly and water resistant if they are under the car. Grease is a good way of protecting from water, I usually fill my socket with grease and the pins where your trailer plugs in to the socket.

Jim T

04-06-2008, 21:18

Thanks Jim - that's really useful.

I have a lighty up type pointy screw driver. Thinking about it logically, the indicators/side/reversing/fog lights should be easy to identify and that should just leave brake lights to sort out (by a process of ilimination).

I think I may do the connections within the boot. Luckily the socket comes out the under neath of the boot through a rubber gromet so I'll pull the socket back through and then pass the 7 core cable through the socket and do all the work inside the boot.

That will just leave the audible relay. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it but it should be easy enough as the wires seem to go to corresponding ones for the tow bar electrics.

Cheers for the advise - saves me chewing about on the www looking for wiring diagrams.

Peter

jims-terrano · 04-06-2008, 22:31

Peter, legally you need an audio or visible indicator fitted to tell you that your trailer indicators are flashing. If your ever unfortunate enough to be stopped by the Police I'm not sure how many of them would check to see if you had one fitted. However I found it rather annoying and so did the kids. Personally I think if you check the indicators are working before you set off. I'm sure your getting my drift by now but it is up to you.

Good idea to bring the connector back into the boot.

Jim T

05-06-2008, 22:51

Hi PeaSea, When my T2 was wired up we found it had a built in audible warning so there was no need to fit another. It beeps from somewhere in the dash. Perhaps the Xtrail is similar.

06-06-2008, 07:52

Good heavens gagdetsyd - I certainly hope it hasnt!! Spent 3 hours last night fannying on with the elecs. Everyhtign was fine until I came to test the indicators. The hazards would work but L and R indicators would work independantly. Based on the test meter I think I had one side wired to a perminant 12V feed (for the hazards????) - anyway, changed the cable to another red/blue (there are 4 feeding the 2 rear light clusters so its a bit of a suck and see) and success!

Thanks for the help. All wired up now, just need to fit the bar next but need it over the pit or up the ramps for that - no more lying on the gravel drive :?

04-06-2008, 19:45	#1
PeaSea Guest Posts: n/a	Connector for towbar electrics on X Trail I knew it wouldnt be long before I was reaching out to you all for soem assistance : The new tow bar has arrived and to keep costs under control I didnt opt for the vehicle specific wiring loom (£56 + VAT!). I have the cable (7 wires) coming from the 7 pin socket and under the X Trail I have found a square 6 pin socket that looks as though it runs from the rear lights wiring loom from with the boot. The question is, is this specificall for the tow bar electrics, and in the absence of the female connector (which wasnt supplied with the tow bar because I'm a cheap scate!!) does anyone know where I can get one (local stealer not interested) or what the corresponding colours are so I can branch into this loom (assuming it is for the tow bar elcetrics) and I'll do it myself withoiut looking for a socket. Here's hoping (although looking at the lack of X Trails and number of Terrano's I suspect I amy struggle - go on - prove me wrong : ) Peter

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04-06-2008, 20:43	#2
jims-terrano Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: UK Posts: 12,965	What you need to do is get hold of some way of testing the pins on the connector to see what they do. You can make something with a couple of wires and a 12v bulb. However it may be better to purchase or borrow either a multimeter or a purpose made cicuit tester. The circuit tester is often the easiest thing to use, it's basically a wire with a croc clip on one end and the other end has a screwdriver type thing with a light in it. Have a look at this ebay item to see the tool that I mean http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/6-12-VOLT-CIRC...QQcmdZViewItem What you need to do is test between each pin of the connector and the car body to see which pin does what. Have a look at this link to see the connections for your 12N socket (trailer lights) http://www.electronics2000.co.uk/dat...ut/trailer.php When you make any connections ensure that they are made correctly and water resistant if they are under the car. Grease is a good way of protecting from water, I usually fill my socket with grease and the pins where your trailer plugs in to the socket. Jim T

04-06-2008, 21:18	#3
PeaSea Guest Posts: n/a	Thanks Jim - that's really useful. I have a lighty up type pointy screw driver. Thinking about it logically, the indicators/side/reversing/fog lights should be easy to identify and that should just leave brake lights to sort out (by a process of ilimination). I think I may do the connections within the boot. Luckily the socket comes out the under neath of the boot through a rubber gromet so I'll pull the socket back through and then pass the 7 core cable through the socket and do all the work inside the boot. That will just leave the audible relay. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it but it should be easy enough as the wires seem to go to corresponding ones for the tow bar electrics. Cheers for the advise - saves me chewing about on the www looking for wiring diagrams. Peter

04-06-2008, 22:31	#4
jims-terrano Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: UK Posts: 12,965	Peter, legally you need an audio or visible indicator fitted to tell you that your trailer indicators are flashing. If your ever unfortunate enough to be stopped by the Police I'm not sure how many of them would check to see if you had one fitted. However I found it rather annoying and so did the kids. Personally I think if you check the indicators are working before you set off. I'm sure your getting my drift by now but it is up to you. Good idea to bring the connector back into the boot. Jim T

05-06-2008, 22:51	#5
gadgetsyd Guest Posts: n/a	Hi PeaSea, When my T2 was wired up we found it had a built in audible warning so there was no need to fit another. It beeps from somewhere in the dash. Perhaps the Xtrail is similar.

06-06-2008, 07:52	#6
PeaSea Guest Posts: n/a	Good heavens gagdetsyd - I certainly hope it hasnt!! Spent 3 hours last night fannying on with the elecs. Everyhtign was fine until I came to test the indicators. The hazards would work but L and R indicators would work independantly. Based on the test meter I think I had one side wired to a perminant 12V feed (for the hazards????) - anyway, changed the cable to another red/blue (there are 4 feeding the 2 rear light clusters so its a bit of a suck and see) and success! Thanks for the help. All wired up now, just need to fit the bar next but need it over the pit or up the ramps for that - no more lying on the gravel drive :?