1999 Toyota 4Runner tow plug

KATHOLIVER50

MEMBER
1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
3.2L
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
102,000 MILES

Just purchased vehicle 2nd owner first never towed anything. Went to tow our trailer (water toys) and only the running lights work no turn signals or brakes. It definitely appeared that the original owner never even took the cap off the plug is in pristine condition. We tested it and could only get power for the running lights none of the other areas appeared to have power. It does not look easy to get to the main lines to find out why it does not work. The wires disappear into the frame. Is there somewhere to look for the start connection? Thanks

7 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

I am assuming it's the trailer lights not working. Check ground from trailer to truck and start at tow plug for power for other lights like brake stop etc. Check colored wires at plug pointed out inpic also check your flasher intruck may not be heavy duty enough for a trailer.

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Monday, June 23rd, 2014 AT 12:15 PM

KATHOLIVER50

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4 POSTS

Thanks all the lights work on the 4 runner. No power to any of the wires at the plug except for the running lights and wires before the plug have no power either. Thought we checked all fuses but checking again today.

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Tuesday, June 24th, 2014 AT 7:18 AM

HMAC300

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48,601 POSTS

I pointed to the combination meter it may be a problem there although try to see where the tow harness is connected as it may be broken there or the harness damaged there. If all the lights work in the truck then it has to be in the back there or the ground for the trailer isn't that good. If all thetruck lights work then it's not a fuse issue

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Tuesday, June 24th, 2014 AT 8:12 AM

HMAC300

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48,601 POSTS

One other thing if this is not a factory hookup most places use the cheap push to clamp wires and they lose contact. So if you can see where it's bee spliced in then go to there and if they have the cheap push with pliers to connect connectors they should be cut and crimped with good connectors then soldered and have shrink tubing put over it.

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Tuesday, June 24th, 2014 AT 8:15 AM

KATHOLIVER50

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4 POSTS

Thanks again it is a factory hook up not an add on. Trailer works on other vehicle so we are almost 100% it is 4 runner. All lights on the toyota work fine. I guess we will need to take it in. We have done all you have suggested. Darn all wires into the harness appear to be intact but I suppose somewhere inside the framing there could be a split it just seems so strange. I do believe they have never worked since it came off the lot.