Trailer Lighting Relay: Service and Repair

Trailer Tow Relay Replacement

REMOVAL
The trailer tow relay bank contains four relays. The service procedures for each relay are the same. Be certain any removed relay is replaced with the same relay size and type that was removed.

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG, PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. Remove the trim from the right side quarter inner panel.

Fig.66 Trailer Tow Relay Wrap:

3. Reach through the access hole in the quarter inner panel behind the right rear wheelhouse to locate and retrieve the trailer tow relay connector bank, which is enveloped in foam rubber and placed on the top of the right rear wheelhouse between the quarter inner and outer panels (Fig. 66).
4. Pull the trailer tow relay connector bank into the cargo area far enough to access the unit for service.
5. Carefully remove the trailer tow relay connector bank from the foam wrap.

Fig.67 Trailer Tow Relay Remove/Install:

6. Remove the trailer tow relay by grasping it firmly and pulling it straight out from the connector bank (Fig. 67).

INSTALLATION
The trailer tow relay bank contains four relays. The service procedures for each relay are the same. Be certain any removed relay is replaced with the same relay size and type that was removed.

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG, PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

1. Position the trailer tow relay to the proper connector in the connector bank (Fig. 67).
2. Align the trailer tow relay terminals with the terminal cavities in the connector.
3. Push firmly and evenly on the top of the trailer tow relay until the terminals are fully seated in the terminal cavities in the connector.
4. Carefully restore the foam wrap around the trailer tow relay connector bank (Fig. 66).
5. Reach through the access hole in the quarter inner panel behind the right rear wheelhouse to place the trailer tow relay connector bank on the top of the right rear wheelhouse between the quarter inner and outer panels.
6. Reinstall the trim onto the right side quarter inner panel.
7. Reconnect the battery negative cable.