Update: Hitch Wiring for Surge Brakes Reverse Lockout

[BobP]

Thanks.

I'll ask the wife to help...and put some blocks behind the wheels just in case she
feels I'm deserving some punishment

[Webwader]

Do you know which pin is ground? It's the one in the 7 to 8 o'clock position if you don't.

[BobP]

Thanks, I wasn't sure but I think the cover on the plug connector shows the pin designations...including the center pin for backup light, so hopefully it works.

[BobP]

Bummer, reverse indicator doesn't turn green and 0 volts on the center pin.
Looks like a trip to the dealer is in order.

[Riley]

Originally Posted by BobP

Bummer, reverse indicator doesn't turn green and 0 volts on the center pin.
Looks like a trip to the dealer is in order.

If you want to check something yourself then look at the installation instructions from the link in the first post of this thread by Joz Ridg. On page 4 it shows the additional 4-pin connector you should have by the 10-pin connector under the dash (not the 4-pin above the emergency brake for the electric brake controller) - I'm guessing it's possibly not plugged in. Mine was dealer installed as part of the purchase agreement and they left the installation instructions in the truck - however they were the old instructions that didn't show the new post 8/24 4-pin connector and therefore they didn't hook it up. If that's not it, then you could go thru the installation instructions and double check their work. A couple other items of interest pertaining to the backup light functionality are an extra relay used in the underdash wiring and I believe an extra fuse under the hood in the secondary fuse box between the air box and brake fluid. Also, they could have used an old trailer wiring harness that doesn't have the 4-pin connector - also the old harness didn't even have a wire going to the center pin of the 7-pin trailer light connector from what I've read. Of course the dealer should eventually be able to figure it out but my experience is sometimes it's easier/faster/safer/educational/less frustrating to do it yourself if feasible.

[Nick]

I just completed the install of hitch and harness. I have the pre-Aug build. So, no 4 pin connector, however, I installed all 3 relays (the instructions did not tell me not too). So, does this make a difference? Should I remove the relay on the relay block? Kind of confused here

[Riley]

Originally Posted by Nick

I just completed the install of hitch and harness. I have the pre-Aug build. So, no 4 pin connector, however, I installed all 3 relays (the instructions did not tell me not too). So, does this make a difference? Should I remove the relay on the relay block? Kind of confused here

Shouldn't hurt anything that I'm aware of. I believe if you traced the wires that go to the extra relay that they merely end up at the 4-pin connector you weren't able to utilize (the one for the backup lights by the 10-pin connector if you have a post 8/24 build date - not the one for the electric brake controller above the emergency brake that all build dates should have) due to your pre 8/24 build date.

[BobP]

Riley, thanks again for all of the information. I'll follow your instructions to
see exactly what I have before going to the dealer. I prefer to do it myself
too. I bought a Honda Element from the same dealer and had the factory hitch/harness installed.
It didn't work either. Eventually there was a recall for a section of the harness, but I just moved
the wires per instructions on the Element Owners Club site. It's amazing to me that these things
get installed but are not tested.

[Nick]

I guess lucky for me (I guess) that my reverse indicator turns green when I put the truck in reverse. What does it mean for those whose "R" doesn't turn green?

[Riley]

Originally Posted by Nick

I guess lucky for me (I guess) that my reverse indicator turns green when I put the truck in reverse. What does it mean for those whose "R" doesn't turn green?

I believe everybody's reverse indicator is green when you put it in 'R'everse - my observation was that both my 'P'ark light was red and my 'R'everse light green at the same time with the key turned to position I (accessory) - ie with the truck in park, turn the key to position I, and the 'P' is red, the 'R' is green, and the rest are white all at the same time implying that the truck is in both Park and Reverse at the same time. I never noticed the truck doing this before I connected the new 4-pin reverse light connector on the Honda trailer wiring harness that the dealer failed to connect when they installed it. Therefore I was curious if maybe something was wrong/different with my truck and therefore asked if any others with a post 8/24 build date and the OEM trailer wiring harness were experiencing this. BTW, three or so people that fit the above scenario have confirmed that their trucks do the same thing.