Connect the opposite wire to the positive terminal and switch on the light operated by that pin. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Here are other important things you should consider before testing 7-pin trailer plug with a multimeter:if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'handtoolsforfun_com-leader-1','ezslot_9',161,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-handtoolsforfun_com-leader-1-0'); While the seven-pin plug is much more versatile, it is also much more difficult to test since it is essentially two plugs crammed into one. Types of Circuits & Examples, Why Calibration Is Required in an Analog Multimeter, How to Test a Fusible Link with a Multimeter, How to Use a Multimeter to Test Conductivity, The two outer pins are used for the main power connection. To test the continuity setting's calibration, touch the 2 terminals together and hold them in place. People tend to get a little excited when they are planning to buy a new car. 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. Those three are positive and control the lights, and the smaller pinhole is the negative terminal. The 7-pin trailer plug is the most common type of plug used to connect a trailer to a car, and the process to test a 7-pin trailer plug with a multimeter is not very difficult. Trace the ground wire you want to test. One of the most complicated things to test on a car often seems to be the 7-pin trailer plug as it hosts 7 different electrical connections in one plug/wire.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'housetechlab_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-housetechlab_com-medrectangle-3-0'); But with the use of a simple multimeter with a black/red probe you can test this easily at home to determine if there is an electrical break within the plug. Next, plug in the black probe into the socket. Remove the cables that connect the primary car to the trailer. Until our next article! Certifications: B.E.E. Lives In: Denver Colorado Set your multimeter to resistance. You should make sure it is set to DC volt settings. It is to ensure that it is receiving the requisite voltage. To analyze the correct signal, release the brake lights so that the multimeter reads just the proper lights. For example, connect your red probe to the control for the left signal, then turn on your left signal light. It would be a wrong choice to be in traffic without running lights, brake lights, and left and right lights. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. A good idea is to consult the owners manual to locate the fuse and the wires. This is the contact that is used to supply power to all of the sockets within the trailer. Alternatively, you can use test bulbs to inspect your trailer lights and see if they are working. The black probe, the grounding wire, should be inserted into the 7-pin plugs bottom left slot. Set the voltage setting on the multimeter to measure the voltage. (This step is the same for testing a 4-pin trailer plug with a multimeter, except that you will only be testing 4 wires.) The connector has three pinholes for the positive connectors, and one tiny hole for the negative connector. Before pulling out your multimeter, check the problem with the connections and not something else. (1). The 4-pin trailer plug is a fairly standard plug that is found on the back of an automobile. How Do You Test a Trailer Plug with a Multimeter? Flat connectors comply with Australian Standards AS4177.5-2004. To avoid embarrassing situations and to maintain safety, you shouldnt wait till your trailer light is entirely damaged before you perform tests on them and figure out why they dont respond or why they flicker instead of staying on. Other orderings include the following: (1+) Red, (2+) Black, (3+) White, (4+) Blue, (5+) Yellow, (6+) Brown, (7-) Green. Your multimeter should indicate the value corresponding to the voltage of the battery you are using. How do you avoid this situation? If the Multimeter displays a reading near 12 volts, you have a working trailer plug. 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.. Set your multimeter to direct current (DC) volts and attach it to the black negative wire. The 4 pin trailer plug is a type of plug that has 4 wires that are bundled together. But how do you test trailer lightswith a multimeter? This is how a 7-pin trailer plug is fixed. Then connect the other probe to the positive terminal on the jump box or battery to see if the trailer is powered. The most common 7-pin trailer plug pinout has the following order: (1+) Black, (2+) Red, (3+) Yellow, (4+) Blue, (5+) White, (6+) Brown, (7-) Green. The multimeter dial should be turned to the V symbol. For a trailer light test without a vehicle, you would need wires to attach your plugs to the battery. Before you tie your trailer to the truck, check the wiring. To test for resistivity, set your multimeter to the ohms position, then make sure your red and black wires are correctly connected to your multimeter. For adequate grounding, your multimeter should read about 0.3 ohms. Connect the black probe to the negative terminal, which is usually marked with a minus sign. When wiring a trailer, you must pay attention to the voltage of the plug. To test a 7-pin trailer plug on a truck, use a multimeter. Bypassing the tow wiring system/trailer connector plugs. These are the same connections that you tested for the turn signals. . Im not only an electrician, but I also like machinery and anything to do with carpentry. Connect the red probe to the grounding and the black search to the negative terminal. You need to make sure that you have the right tools to do the job. Verify the plug housings stability. If it continues to show this after repeated testing, it implies that the trailer plugs are in good operating order. Photo: LiveWorkDream.com. To do so, turn the multimeters ohm setting to 12 volts. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. To test the brake lights at the trailer connector you need to apply the brakes and test the connectors that the green and yellow wires go into. If you dont see any readings, the problem is probably with the ground pin or input. Insert the red probe into the positive connector hole. In addition, make sure that all lights are active. Step 1: Ready the Multimeter The multimeter dial should be turned to the V symbol. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Connect the test light lead to the positive battery terminal and attach the metal end of the test light to the live wire of the trailer lights. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. You can test the voltage of these lights using a multimeter. 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. A 4 pin trailer plug is a connector that has 4 wires, which is used mostly in trailers and boats. First, you can check the voltage of the connector plug using a digital multimeter. Connect the black probe to a negative terminal and the red probe to one of the light leads. If it still does not function, there might be a problem with the wiring. Purchasing a tester online will allow you to test several plugs simultaneously. Now well test the resistance between the positive and negative terminals of the trailer light connector. Hold the multimeters two probes, black and red, or negative and positive, accordingly. I CANNOT find the problem! Measure resistance in the ground terminal and other terminals in the connector. Use a MultiMeter to Troubleshoot Trailer Lights. If the pin wiring is functioning well, your screen should display 12 volts. Remember that the diagrams and light connections differ based on how many channels your wiring system has. How to test trailer lights without a vehicle? So disconnect the trailer plugs, and use the wires on the pin to help you identify the specific pinholes you want to test. Socket and plug are keyed. (. The real color of the item may be slightly different from the pictures shown on website caused by many factors such as brightness of your monitor and light brightness. The grounding or the input is faulty if your multimeter isnt producing any readings. Youll need the following items in order to test it effectively: if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'housetechlab_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-housetechlab_com-medrectangle-4-0');The 7-pin trailer plug is complicated because it hosts 7 different connections all in one (watch the video right below this paragraph). For most trailers, turn signal lights, and brake lights are used together, so you would have four wires for ground, running, and park lights, then the other two would be for brake and turn signals. Manage Settings When the specific terminal light is on, measure the voltage in the negative and positive terminals. Certifications: B.E.E. To test your trailer lights, you disconnect the wiring system and use your multimeter probes to check for a ground connection problem at the connector or a problem with the trailer plugs. If none of these work, then there could be a problem with your trailer plugs and connectors. Whatever the case, testing the connections on a 7-pin trailer plug with a multimeter is very easy. The first step is Identifying the pinholes of the light. Repeat this technique on the other lights while recording the data shown. Education: University Of Denver - Electric Engineering Compare the multimeter reading with the ideal range. The connector is 2 in diameter and is often found on heavy-duty trailers such as RVs . So connect the negative pinhole to the negative terminal on your battery and one of the pinholes to the positive terminal on your battery. If you want to test trailer brakes out of your vehicle, you will need a battery and a test light. Could the harness be bad? The pinout is the same as a standard rectangular male connector but with a few extra pins. Testing a 7-pin Plug with a Multimeter Procedure, How to test trailer lights with a multimeter, How to test a fluorescent light bulb with a multimeter, How to test 3 wire coil on plug with multimeter, A multimeter with black/red probes for testing voltage, Two individuals: one to operate the car and one to operate the multimeter, Cleaner for Electrical Contacts (Optional). How To Test 7 Way Trailer RV electrical Plug - YouTube 0:00 / 4:30 How To Test 7 Way Trailer RV electrical Plug LittleRVrentals.com 4.01K subscribers Subscribe 291K views 6 years ago How. How Much Does a Battery For a Truck Cost? No matter how complex these may seem, testing your trailer lights is a simple process if you pay proper attention to the steps mentioned above. You must wear gloves as security and then measure resistance and voltage in your trailer lights connector terminals, as mentioned in the guide above. These connectors are a vital part of the trailer towing. If the connection is weak, then crimp it to ensure a secure connection. How to Test an Armature with a Multimeter. If no results appear, the wiring for that light is no longer functional. Step 4: Test the Blinkers, Brake Lights, and Reverse Lights. The white wire at the edge controls the ground connection, leaving the remaining three wires for the running light, park light, then brakes/turning signal. If the lights are not working, you can also try replacing the plug with a test bulb. Your vehicle would have a female connector to receive the trailer plugs; the trailer plug is also called the male connector. Your multimeter may report the reading value with the low resistance. If this is correct, then your brake light switch is working correctly. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. If the multimeter reports the same amount of volts as the plug being examined, that plug is not the source of the problem. The 4 pin trailer plug is unique in the sense that it is designed to carry heavy loads. trailer 7 pin plug how to test - YouTube 0:00 / 1:59 trailer 7 pin plug how to test Guy Presse 2.55K subscribers 1.6K 605K views 11 years ago http://rv-mobile-services.ca/. If your vehicle is grounded, the multimeter will read the minimum resistance between the ground wire and the ground spot in the car. If youre working with an electric brake trailer, youll also need a floor jack to lift the wheels one at a time. These can be the result of blown fuses or chafed wires. Please Tell Us How We Can Improve This Article. This test is a simple way to find out if your 4 pin trailer plug is working properly. If the plug lights are not working, the ground pin is likely corroded. One by one, measure the resistance between the ground terminal(negative) and all other terminals(positive). How to test a magneto coil with a multimeter? To test the wiring system, unplug the trailer plug. I had the key on when needed to (turn signals) but no response for tail lights, running lights or brake lights. A straight line is used to symbolize DC. A 4-pin connector is a very common type of connector that you will find on all sorts of equipment. If you are getting a reading near to 12 volts then it means that electricity is flowing in and out of the plug normally. Once the red probe displays 0.3 ohms, the socket is probably the issue. Take note of the reading. Small 7 Pin Round (QLD) Identifying: Plug size is similar to an Australian 10c coin. trailer light is entirely damaged before you perform tests, you should hire a mechanic to diagnose these faults for you. Required fields are marked *. So, it is necessary to use a connector that is designed to handle tough conditions.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'handtoolsforfun_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_8',166,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-handtoolsforfun_com-medrectangle-4-0'); In the United States, most vehicles are equipped with a 7-way plug. To do so, first insert the probe into the ground pin and the other pins. Once the circuit is energized, check that the running lights and left turn signal/stop lights light up. Ive been running my electrical warehouse in Sacramento for8 years. $10.33. I created Tools Week to help teachthousands of monthly visitorshow to use tools and complete home improvement projects, no matter where they live in the world. However, even if you take care of them, they frequently stop working. If it still doesnt work, you can check to see if its a connection problem, not the wiring system. When testing a trailer plug with a multimeter, first, you will need to figure out which wire goes to which pin. Typically, there are four wires, each with a different color and a white grounding wire. How to Check Truck Trailer Plug with Multimeter? Youll need basic tools like a crimping tool and wire cutters. Lets understand in detail for step-by-step testing your trailer lights. Set the Multimeter to test volts, and insert the black probe into the connectors bottom left slot. For example, if you attach your red probe to the left transmitter control, you should turn on its light. So, if the battery is 12 volts, the readout should be 12 volts. Set the voltage to 20 volts. Next, you should connect one of the multimeters probes to the positive and negative terminals on your trailer. 1 Pair 4mm Banana Plug Multimeters Meter Probe Test Lead 26" Long U9C2 . If not, check the converter box. Another way to diagnose a malfunctioning trailer is to remove the light bulb. After the probe connection, turn on the light of that specific terminal, such as the rear or front. Then, fit the battery by levering the case's bottom. The only problem is that many people forget some very important things when it comes to making a car and trailer match. When the test light illuminates, it should read 12. How to Test 7-Pin Trailer Plug with Multimeter (4 Steps) How to Test Christmas Lights with a Multimeter (Guide) How to Check Continuity in a Long Wire (Step-By-Step Guide) Multimeter Probe Types (Benefits, Pros, and Cons) How to Test a Motherboard with a Multimeter (Guide) We have steps you can follow that will guide you while you use your multimeter to carry out this test. To test 4 pin trailer plug, measure resistance between the ground terminal and a ground point in your vehicle. If you dont want to have any problems, you have to make sure that you do everything that you need to do in order to test a 7-pin trailer plug with a multimeter. References(1) color codes https://www.computerhope.com/htmcolor.htm(2) wiring system https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulL9VBjETpk. Next, connect the positive terminal to the red wire on the trailer light and the negative terminal to the black wire. How do you make that happen? This item: shyness 7 Pin Car Trailer Plug Wiring Circuit Light Test Tool. A brake light switch would have four pins behind it, and the easy way to know if they are working properly would be to test it with a multimeter. If it doesnt, youll want to use a circuit tester. Ships from and sold by baiguaitongmaoyiyouxiangongsi. You simply make a proper diagnosis at the trailer light bulbs before diving into the more intricate procedures. Make sure youre not getting more than one volt. Trailer Wiring Diagrams Exploroz Articles. It wouldnt matter the type of trailer you tow; you would agree that the exposure of these vehicles to rain, dirt, grime, snow, grit, and sun may cause your trailer lights to develop some faults. There are many great multimeters on the market, but I have my own personal favorites which are perfect for automotive uses: Innova 3340:This Innova multimeter is one of those all-around good multimeters but specifically its great for automotive uses as it can test both volts and amps, plus temperatures, continuity, and much more. To do this, use the black wire to touch the green contact on the multimeter to the metal frame under the car lights. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. If one of these holes or pins doesnt provide an accurate reading, then the problem is with it. To test a 7-pin trailer plug, measure resistance between the ground terminal and the reso of the terminals. (2). The multimeter should read 0-.3 ohm resistance. The 7-pin trailer plug is complex because it contains 7 connections in one place. How to test 7 pin trailer plug with a multimeter? Some wires have their controls labeled on them, but color codes should work for you if you have a plug without labeled wires. 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. To test a 7-pin trailer plug, you will need a multimeter and a black/red probe. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Usually ships within 3 to 4 days. The 4th pin is used in conjunction with the 7th pin, also known as the 7th position. If the reading is a flat 0, that's fine too. Most trailer light breakdowns are caused by a weak ground connection. The first thing you should do would be to disconnect your trailer plugs. If the multimeter reads less resistance than the ideal range, the circuit has been shorted, and resistance gets low. Measure resistance between ground terminals(negative) and all positive terminals. How Do You Test A 7 Pin Trailer Plug With A Multimeter? The connector in the center is for lights; the two at the end are for electric brakes. If the new lights dont work, you move to the next diagnosis step. (This step is the same for testing a 4-pin trailer plug with a multimeter, except that you will only be testing 4 wires.). Im not only an electrician, but I also like machinery and anything to do with carpentry. It might lead to an accident or erroneous operation. Education: University Of Denver - Electric Engineering Connector type: banana plug, test pin. Youll need a black test lead to connect to the negative pin on the trailer, and a red one to the Ground pin on the vehicle. Test each light to know the ones that are not working right, then be sure you do not have a burnout bulb. Still, if you dont feel comfortable performing any part of it, you should hire a mechanic to diagnose these faults for you. How do I know if my trailer plug is working? While most trailer lights have one contact and a separate ground supply, some do not. More about us. Using a digital multimeter, check the voltage at each pin. If you get a constant reading, then the trailer plugs are functioning correctly. Step 6. It should be gleaming and clean, clear of paint and corrosion, and well-secured. We would conclude this article with life-extending advice that immediately you find fault with your trailer lights, you should fix it quickly. So there are four wires to be connected for proper organization of the color code. Measure resistance in the ground terminal in the connector and grounding point in the vehicle. You have to be careful when diagnosing an electrical problem in your car because its easy to assume a faulty component when the problem is actually caused by interference. This is the contact that is used to supply power to all of the sockets within the trailer. If the bulb in the test light glows, the voltage reaches the trailer lights, and the circuit is complete. You will need the number to test the connector. Quote Stevan Approved Member 10.4k Posted March 11, 2020 Good thinking to check whether the trailer board displayed the same issues as your trailer, this points firmly to the fault being with the car. How to Ground a Cb Antenna on a Semi Truck? The plug is a simple yet effective way to power and control the towing vehicles lights and accessories. How to check the ground on trailer wiring? Signal a turn or press the brakes or turn on your lights and connect the red probe of the voltmeter to the equivalent pin of the tow bar socket. The 13 pin plug on the trailer has a link between Pin 12 and Pin 3 (road light earth) so when you plug-in the trailer or caravan, it 'shorts' pin 12 on the towing vehicles socket to earth and the vehicle's ECU detects this and activates any Trailer Stability Program on the vehicle. 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. Check your vehicle's plug configuration. Insert the red probe into the positive connector hole. 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. If the light is still flickering, theres a bad ground. A good brake controller, like the Tekonsha P3, has test functions built in. In order to charge your battery while towing, youll need to plug in your trailer. You should do this by setting the multimeter to the continuity setting. Next, insert your black lead into the COM port and your red into the voltage port. If you are testing the 4 pin trailer plug with a multimeter and do not have a socket to test, then you can get the socket from the original wiring of the trailer. Take note of the reading. But none of the other wires worked. Make sure its configured to measure both DC and AC. 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 Disconnect the 7-pin plug from your vehicle. 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. (1). Driving without them puts your life and the lives of others in danger. Testing for wiring problems might not be difficult, but the problem we face is how to begin; we have explained with detailed information how you can carry them out. Simple, isnt it? The white wire would be the ground wire and brown for the tail or running lights. Well also test the voltage of the trailer brake lights. To test trailer brakes, set your multimeter to Ohms, place the negative probe on one of the brake magnet wires, and place the positive probe on the other magnet wire.
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