Guy Presse 2.55K subscribers Subscribe 1.3K Share 310K views 11 years ago http://rv-mobile-services.ca/ The seven pin trailer plugs on travel. Still, if you dont feel comfortable performing any part of it, you should hire a mechanic to diagnose these faults for you. Do the same to the other set of pins, and then press the switch. Driving without them puts your life and the lives of others in danger. The same goes for a four-pin. Bill Eaglerunner 16.4K subscribers 374K views 8 years ago Using a multi meter to troubleshoot and check the voltages and grounds on. If the Multimeter displays a reading near 12 volts, you have a working trailer plug. To do this, you must disconnect the wirings that join your tow vehicle to the trailer. If your truck uses a 12-volt battery, your multimeter should read approximately 12 volts. Connect the black probe to a negative terminal and the red probe to one of the light leads. For a good wiring system, your multimeter should read approximately 3 ohms. Purchasing a tester online will allow you to test several plugs simultaneously. On some 4-pin connectors, the middle connector is labeled with an L (for lights), while the end connectors are not labeled (only the terminals are labeled). (This step is the same for testing a 4-pin trailer plug with a multimeter, except that you will only be testing 4 wires.) For this you will need a multimeter that can read voltage in volts. If the reading is less than 12, it is a grounding issue. Trailer wiring combines the left turn/brake and right turn/brake signal for proper operation of the trailer lights. They are used to connect a trailer to the towing vehicles wiring system. For this test, we use a Fluke 87-V multimeter, which we buy on Amazon.com. The 4th pin, known as the 4th position, is there for the purpose of supplying power to lights or other electrical equipment on the trailer. Next, connect your red lead to the voltage port and your black lead to the COM port Y. Youll be surprised how much power your trailer battery needs if its not charged. These are either simple or complex, depending on the method you eventually use. The only problem is that many people forget some very important things when it comes to making a car and trailer match. Hi, Im Sophia, owner of mrfixitca.com and an Electrical Engineer fromDuke University. Keep reading! Here is a video that shows exactly what to do. The 7-pin truck test plug has a big brother in the form of the 7-pin round trailer plug. If your trailer plug is in order, your multimeter should have a reading approximately equal to the volts of your battery. When the specific terminal light is on, measure the voltage in the negative and positive terminals. Your multimeter may report the reading value with the low resistance. This site contains affiliate links to products. If the wires (in the previous test) are functioning, slide the red probe to the next plug position and test the blink, brake lights, and reverse lights one at a time until you have ruled out all other potential problems. For adequate grounding, your multimeter should read about 0.3 ohms. One by one, measure the resistance between the ground terminal(negative) and all other terminals(positive). A good brake controller, like the Tekonsha P3, has test functions built in. Your email address will not be published. This gives me a unique ability to give you expert home improvement and DIY recommendations. To test your trailer plugs, turn your multimeter to volt DC settings, then connect the black probe to the negative terminal and your other multimeter probe to one of the positive pins, and turn on the light that is controlled by that pin. This post will discuss how to test trailer lights with a multimeter. Set the voltage setting on the multimeter to measure the voltage. On the other hand, if the lights work, then the problem could be from your connector or trailer plug and you have to do some extra testing. In this guide, youll learn the following: Diagnosing A Problem With Your Trailer Lights, How To Test Trailer Lights With A Multimeter. Connect the red probe to the red and white wires on the connector. If there is continuity, then the trailer is hooked up correctly. Even if the wiring to the socket is appropriate, check the ground connection to the trailer frame. Make sure that you set it to test voltage and that the test leads youre using are black/red. First, you can check the voltage of the connector plug using a digital multimeter. How to test a magneto coil with a multimeter? Most of the faults with trailer lights are weak ground connections. If the trailer lights function with such a setup, it is clear the issue is . As a result, you should always validate that your trailer lights are operating correctly. Set the volts symbol on the meter and insert the black probe into the underside left slot of the 7-pin plug. The 7-pin trailer plug is a very simple plug, and the testing is not at all complex. Im not only an electrician, but I also like machinery and anything to do with carpentry. Manage Settings A Multimeter, or multimeter, is an instrument that measures multiple electrical quantities such as voltage, current, and resistance in electronic devices. Next, you should connect one of the multimeters probes to the positive and negative terminals on your trailer. Multimeters, which are used to measure electric current and voltage, can be used to test your cars charging system, as well as the circuits in your vehicle. In order to charge your battery while towing, youll need to plug in your trailer. Check the back of the 7-pin plug to find out which wire goes to which pin. Lives In: Denver Colorado You will require a multimeter that has alligator clips to be able to test the trailer plug. Otherwise, you risk damaging the plug or your meter.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'handtoolsforfun_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',171,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-handtoolsforfun_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Consult an expert if the previous continuity test and 7-pin trailer plug multimeter test are unsuccessful in resolving your issue. Refer to your vehicles owners manual for information on where to find these fuses. Step 1 - Do the necessary check on your trailer lighting Step 2 - Test for grounding Step 3 - Examine your trailer plugs Conclusion Testing your trailer lights For you to fix your trailer lights, a multimeter is an essential equipment since this tool helps you troubleshoot the electrical systems as well as detecting the source of break down. Apart from the risking accidents, you would be subject to some fining. If the lights dont work, you have a clue that the problem may be from the wires. A typical 7-pin plug will be setup in the below fashion: If you are not sure which is which, I will also show you below how you can find outusing your multimeter. Another way to check the 7-pin trailer plug on a truck is to use a circuit tester. In addition, make sure that all lights are active. Purchase a premium 7-pin trailer plug first. Check your vehicle's plug configuration. Now to test each of the lights to determine if any of the wirings for each light isnt working you will leave the black probe into the grounding slot of the plug. Examine your connection to determine which wires go to a particular light. It will help you prevent future mistakes and do the work more precisely. If you are facing the 7-Way, using either tester, you will test for the proper signal as follows: 1 oclock position = 12 volt hot lead 3 oclock position = right turn/brake light 5 oclock position = brake controller output The grounding or the input is faulty if your multimeter isnt producing any readings. In stock. Follow the steps indicated below to do this: However, more than one control is required for wirings, such as those supplying the turning and baking lights. These are the same connections that you tested for the turn signals. Wire the vehicle side wiring harness to a standalone battery. Every cable needs to be insulated. The charging line of your truck must match the voltage of the trailers battery, which is on pin 4. Most trailer light breakdowns are caused by a weak ground connection. Just a random guy who likes to build things. The plug is nearly always set up the same way, but if you are unsure, you can look back at the original manual you received when you bought it. If you use one of the turn signals and glow but not as bright as they should be, suspect the ground. Take out your trailer connector, and place the black probe on the ground connection and the red probe on each point pin. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Connect a black probe to the black wire on the plug. The plug is almost always set up in the exact same fashion, although if you are not sure you can refer back to the original guide you got when you purchased it. One of the most important accessories for any auto enthusiast is a multimeter. Step 1. To avoid any potential danger, you can use the test light to probe the appropriate pin. These plugs are used for towing large trailers and are bigger and more robust than the 7-pin truck plugs. During this, you look for a voltage reading of 12 or a value corresponding with your battery voltage. How to test 7 pin trailer plug with a multimeter? After evaluating for grounding and determining that it is not the issue, you should proceed to test your trailer plug. The thrill of getting to pick out just the right vehicle for your family can be exhilarating. Then connect the lights directly to your tow vehicle and test the running, brake, left, and right lights. If the pin wiring for that is working correctly you should see 12 volts appear on your screen. We would conclude this article with life-extending advice that immediately you find fault with your trailer lights, you should fix it quickly. This test is a simple way to find out if your 4 pin trailer plug is working properly. The approach to fixing your trailer light would depend on the faults you have diagnosed. Once the red probe displays 0.3 ohms, the socket is probably the issue. The first is to get a multimeter; the second is to have good knowledge of the pinholes on the plug you are testing to know the light they control. Fit the Batteries. How to Test an Armature with a Multimeter. Im not only an electrician, but I also like machinery and anything to do with carpentry. To do so, turn the multimeters ohm setting to 12 volts. Next, insert your black lead into the COM port and your red into the voltage port. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Wire strippers are also recommended because they can remove a half-inch of insulation from the exposed ends of the new wires. Now well test the resistance between the positive and negative terminals of the trailer light connector. It is Typically, exposing your trailer to dirt, snow, rain, sun, and grit can cause damage to your trailer lighting since it promotes the development of various technical defects. This diagram shows the relationship between pins and lights. Below we have put together a guide to test trailer lights with a multimeter. The trailer plug is important because it has a system of electrical wiring that protects you from getting electrocuted. Connect the probes to confirm that they operate. Required fields are marked *. The light should turn on and off when the battery or jump box is connected properly. If you get a constant reading, then the trailer plugs are functioning correctly. As with many other things, these 7-pin connectors can break down and need to be tested. CURT 58270 7-Pin RV Blade Trailer Wiring Towing Vehicle Socket Tester, Black. In general, testing a 7-pin trailer plug with a multimeter only takes a few minutes: The following things are required to test properly: The 7-pin trailer plug is challenging since it contains 7 connections in one place. Wiring a battery charger for a trailer is simple, and can take only minutes. As you may know, electrical appliances use a range of plugs depending on their country of manufacture and the intended market. The plug is a simple yet effective way to power and control the towing vehicles lights and accessories. Connect the opposite wire to the positive terminal and switch on the light operated by that pin. The 4-pin trailer plug has four pins which are: The 4 pin trailer plug is a simple wiring device that has 4 pins: a red, a black, a white, and a green. Of course, before diving into the trailer plugs, inspecting for a burned out light is the simpler option. The multimeter should read 0-.3 ohm resistance. Copyright 2023 MrFixItCa | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 3. These connectors and pins range from 4-way to 7-way and how you run tests depends on how many channels these connectors have. If this works fine, you move to inspect your positive connector holes. To check volts you put the meter on Volts DC or AC Youll be using DC for your car. Measure resistance in the ground terminal and other terminals in the connector. (1). If the above troubleshooting and the continuity test doesnt solve your problem,then its time to take it to a professional. How do I know if my trailer plug is working? To analyze the correct signal, release the brake lights so that the multimeter reads just the proper lights. Next, you can check the voltage of the lights on the trailer. We would conclude this article with life-extending advice that immediately you find fault with your trailer truck plugs has clips. Function with such a setup, it is not the issue, you have diagnosed will require multimeter... 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Probe into the underside left slot of the trailer frame wire goes to which pin hire mechanic... Faults with trailer lights, you should fix it quickly is continuity, the. The low resistance tester online will allow you to test a magneto coil with a multimeter insert the black into. Ago using a digital multimeter many channels these connectors have likes to build things the left turn/brake and lights... And all other terminals in the form of the multimeters probes to the other set of pins, and press. Of plugs depending on their country of manufacture and the intended market the left and... Report the reading is less than 12, it is not the issue.!
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