We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Purchase a premium 7-pin trailer plug first. For a good wiring system, your multimeter should read approximately 3 ohms. For example, to check for the right signal, you can remove the brake lights so the multimeter reads only the right lights you intend to test. Insert the red probe into the top right slot of the plug. To test a four pin trailer plug, you set the multimeter to DC volts, place the black probe at the bottom neutral plug, and use the red probe at the other plugs to test for different lights. You look for a reading of 0.3 Ohms. You can connect probes in any direction, as resistance has no direction. After the probe connection, turn on the light of that specific terminal, such as the rear or front. 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. Also, the green light for the right turn and brake light, and the yellow light for the left turn light and brake lights. All you have to do is link up the white wire to the negative and the colored wires to the positive. Hello, I'm Sam. Take out your trailer connector, and place the black probe on the ground connection and the red probe on each point pin. If the lights still do not work, you will need to use your multimeter. Could the harness be bad? To test your trailer plugs, turn your multimeterto 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 controlled by that pin. What Voltage Should a Diesel Truck Battery Be? The voltmeter should read around 12 volts, maybe more, depending on your car battery. This is the contact that is used to supply power to all of the sockets within the trailer. The following steps will be in the context of 4-way connectors. If you have a trailer that uses a 7-pin plug for power, you can use that same connector to recharge your battery. Keep reading! Still, if you dont feel comfortable performing any part of it, you should hire a mechanic to diagnose these faults for you. Some wires have their controls labeled on them, but color codes should work for you if you have a plug without labeled wires. 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 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.. Steps on how to test 4 pin trailer plug with a multimeter, What is an Electrical Circuit? You simply make a proper diagnosis at the trailer light bulbs before diving into the more intricate procedures. We would conclude this article with life-extending advice that immediately you find fault with your trailer lights, you should fix it quickly. Compare the multimeter reading with the ideal range. There are two ways to diagnose the source of your problem with trailer lights. It is often the white wire coming out of the trailer connector. To test a 7 pin trailer plug, you place one multimeter probe on the ground pin located at the bottom left and another probe on any of the other pins to test the different trailer lights. Once you have this wire located, you can check for continuity. Maybe someone used a lot of force on the connection, and it broke. Other learning guides on multimeter are below. If you want to test trailer brakes out of your vehicle, you will need a battery and a test light. Below we have put together a guide to test trailer lights with a multimeter. This is one of my favorite all around multimeters which are great for automotive use but also for any HVAC use as it can also read temperatures. Your multimeter should read around 3 ohms. To fix a replacement bulb, place the bulb on the socket and turn it anticlockwise until it clicks. As truck drivers, we strongly feel you are not strangers to handling machinery or sorting out an electrical system. Your trucks 7-pin plug should be grounded at the wheels and axles, while the trailer plug should be grounded at the receptacle. Adjust your multimeter to ohms settings; you may want to place the probes together to ensure they work. If the pin wiring is functioning well, your screen should display 12 volts. You should disconnect the wiring and connect the lights directly to your tow vehicle to ensure you are not having a wiring problem. You will need the number to test the connector. Apart from the risking accidents, you would be subject to some fining. Make sure to connect the negative lead of the tester to the frame of the trailer. Probe length: 19mm/0.7". Set the volts symbol on the meter and insert the black probe into the underside left slot of the 7-pin plug. How to check the ground on trailer wiring? If the pin wiring for that is working correctly you should see 12 volts appear on your screen. If the multimeter reports the same amount of volts as the plug being examined, that plug is not the source of the problem. If the lights dont work, you have a clue that the problem may be from the wires. If this works fine, you move to inspect your positive connector holes. Be certain of this, or you will be chasing non-existent problems. When your multimeter is set to test volts, youre ready to start. Many trailer connector wires come with the controls branded on the wire, but if yours is not labeled, you need to know the right wire arrangement. Unscrew the Philip screws you would see on the device's back case. These can be the result of blown fuses or chafed wires. This plug is used on a variety of vehicles, but it is commonly used to connect the vehicle to a trailer that is two to four times the weight of the vehicle itself. Push down the bulb and rotate it clockwise to remove it. 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. Check the back of the 7-pin plug to find out which wire goes to which pin. How To Test 7 Way Trailer RV electrical PlugIn this video I show how to test a 7 way trailer plug wiring harness for towing a travel trailer or RV by using a. Study your connecter to know the wires for each light. 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. If you see corrosion here, scrub it with sandpaper and check the lights again. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. When testing a trailer plug with a multimeter, first, you will need to figure out which wire goes to which pin. So connect the negative pinhole to the negative terminal on your battery and one of the pinholes to the positive terminal on your battery. As you may know, electrical appliances use a range of plugs depending on their country of manufacture and the intended market. To do so, turn the multimeters ohm setting to 12 volts. We have steps you can follow that will guide you while you use your multimeter to carry out this test. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The plug is characterized by three pinholes for the positive connectors and a tiny opening for the negative connector. Recognize the signs that you are dealing with a bad or faulty 7-pin trailer plug. Submersible Led Rectangle Boat Trailer Road Light Set Smart Marine. The most critical aspect of connecting trailer lights is wiring the system up, and for the lights to function rightly, you should get the proper cables. 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The white wire would be the ground wire and brown for the tail or running lights. Furthermore, keep in mind that these wires contain a sequence of connections. Once you confirm that these are working, you move to your trailer plugs. 7 pin plug on tow vehicle, how to test? One of my career paths started as a general handyman, so I also have a lot of experience with home improvement I love to share. 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. This is the contact that is used to supply power to all of the sockets within the trailer. Bill Eaglerunner 16.4K subscribers 374K views 8 years ago Using a multi meter to troubleshoot and check the voltages and grounds on. The great thing is that usually, these steps will always identify the problem for you allowing you to DIY fix it yourself. It is an essential piece of equipment for a technician or hobbyist. These are the same connections that you tested for the turn signals. If there is continuity, then the trailer is hooked up correctly. If your truck uses a 12-volt battery, your multimeter should read approximately 12 volts. Set your multimeter to direct current (DC) volts and attach it to the black negative wire. Use a MultiMeter to Troubleshoot Trailer 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. 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. To test your trailer lights, you would need a multimeter. A Multimeter, or multimeter, is an instrument that measures multiple electrical quantities such as voltage, current, and resistance in electronic devices. 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. 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. The light should turn on and off when the battery or jump box is connected properly. Connect the opposite wire to the positive terminal and switch on the light operated by that pin. The connector is 2 in diameter and is often found on heavy-duty trailers such as RVs . To test the wiring system, unplug the trailer plug. The 7-pin trailer plug is used in recreational vehicles, cars, and trucks. The following steps will help you properly diagnose the problem and get it fixed quickly. When tying a trailer to your truck, you should know how to test the seven pin plug wiring. Identify terminals of the trailer lights connector. If youre unsure of which wires are broken, you can try tracing them using a screwdriver. The 4th pin is used in conjunction with the 7th pin, also known as the 7th position. For example, connect your red probe to the control for the left signal, then turn on your left signal light. You must measure resistance to evaluate the lighting connection. A good brake controller, like the Tekonsha P3, has test functions built in. A 4-pin connector is a very common type of connector that you will find on all sorts of equipment. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. The larger set of pins have more current passing through them than the other two, so to carry out the test on the brake light switch, get your multimeter, and connect the red probe to one of the larger pins and the black probe to the other larger pin. Well also test the voltage of the trailer brake lights. 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. it should read 12.7 vdc. The two methods include. A trailer plug has seven wires, and if you are trying to figure out how to test a 7-pin trailer plug with a multimeter, you need to test each wire. If you are getting a reading near to 12 volts then it means that electricity is flowing in and out of the plug normally. If you still have any queries, ask down in the comment. To do this, use the black wire to touch the green contact on the multimeter to the metal frame under the car lights. Afterwards, check the lights that are not working. Large and small round connectors comply with AS2513-1982 while Heavy duty connectors meet the AS4735-2003 standard as required for vehicles and trailers over 3.5 tonnes. The best part is that you can usually DIY solve the problem because these techniquespinpoint the problem for you. You should make sure it is set to DC volt settings. Photo: LiveWorkDream.com. 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. Wire strippers are also recommended because they can remove a half-inch of insulation from the exposed ends of the new wires. Manage Settings The following configuration will be used for a standard 7-pin plug: Use your digital multimeter (and make sure it can test for volts) to see if any of the wirings in the 7-pin plug is malfunctioning. For example, if you attach your red probe to the left transmitter control, you should turn on its light. I CANNOT find the problem! So disconnect the trailer plugs, and use the wires on the pin to help you identify the specific pinholes you want to test. Cheers,12V = 12 volt hot leadBK = output from brake controller (if no brake controller is installed, this light will not light up)BU = reverse lights (if this circuit is not connected on the vehicle it will not light up)RT = Right TurnTM = running lights (tail/marker lights)LT = left turnMy Website: http://www.littlervrentals.comMy Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LittleRVrentalsDonate To This Channel https://www.paypal.me/LittleRVrentals If the new lights dont work, you move to the next diagnosis step. 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. But dont be fooled into thinking that your trailer will automatically charge itself! For adequate grounding, your multimeter should read about 0.3 ohms. While using a multimeter, wire gauge can be inconsistent and connections can be major sources of resistance. This will complete the circuit and allow you to test for continuity. Measure resistance in the ground terminal in the connector and grounding point in the vehicle. Trailer wiring combines the left turn/brake and right turn/brake signal for proper operation of the trailer lights. The thrill of getting to pick out just the right vehicle for your family can be exhilarating. How To Test 7 Way Trailer RV electrical PlugIn this video I show how to test a 7 way trailer plug wiring harness for towing a travel trailer or RV by using a led trailer light adapter tester to test signals, brakes and running lights on the rear hitch of a tow vehicle.Hi There, Check that you do have a brake controller installed and working on the vehicle it could also be a brake in the line or short somewhere (they are not fun to locate) BK - means Output from brake controller Hope this helps! If none of these work, then there could be a problem with your trailer plugs and connectors. Your multimeter should read around 3 ohms. To test your truck trailer plug, you'll need a multimeter. How to Test Trailer Lights with a Multimeter, How to test Christmas lights with a multimeter, How to use a Cen-Tech digital multimeter to check voltage. The lights attached to the pinhole should turn on, then repeat the same process with the other control pinholes. Video | PIF DIY When you are having problems with your trailer light and want to check if you dont have a faulty trailer plug, there are two things to do before the test. Next, insert your black lead into the COM port and your red into the voltage port. 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. Get it Feb 10 - Mar 6. The pinout is the same as a standard rectangular male connector but with a few extra pins. Then attach the black probe to the negative terminal of the plug and the red probe to your grounding. 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. This outcome will help you determine if the fault is with your connections. Connect a black test lead to the "Ground" pin on your trailer and then the other lead to the positive terminal. Just a random guy who likes to build things. Before you do that, you should test the gauge with a multimeter to see if its providing faulty readings. You can insert the black probe into the bottom left slot of the 7-pin plug as that is the grounding wire. If the Multimeter displays a reading near 12 volts, you have a working trailer plug. How Much Does a Battery For a Truck Cost? How to test trailer lights with a multimeter, Test 1: Test resistance in trailer light connector, Test 2: Test voltage in trailer light connector, How to test Trailer brake with a multimeter. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. The only problem is that many people forget some very important things when it comes to making a car and trailer match. The trailer plug is important because it has a system of electrical wiring that protects you from getting electrocuted. What you have to do is to isolate each one of them by removing the other bulbs and testing them individually. For this you will need a multimeter that can read voltage in volts. Make sure its configured to measure both DC and AC. 3. If you use a 12-volt battery, the multimeter reads about 12 volts at the plug. This is how a 7-pin trailer plug is fixed. Connect the probes to confirm that they operate. Your multimeter may report the reading value with the low resistance. One by one, measure the resistance between the ground terminal(negative) and all other terminals(positive). Next, you can check the voltage of the lights on the trailer. If you have a problem with inadequate grounding, you may have to do some rewiring, check your wiring for any bridge, and test your trailer plugs and lighting connector to ensure they do notneed replacement. If the value is 3 ohms, your wiring system is working well. The plug is a simple yet effective way to power and control the towing vehicles lights and accessories. A trailer light connector can have 4-7 terminals depending on the manufacture and functioning. You should also check the voltage of your trucks battery to ensure that your plug is connected properly. A 4 pin trailer plug is a connector that has 4 wires, which is used mostly in trailers and boats. Use your digital multimeter (and make sure it can test for volts) to see if any of the wirings in the 7-pin plug is malfunctioning. If you have confirmed the fault is not an inadequate grounding, next you have to test the trailer plug to be sure if it is receiving voltage. If it doesnt, you may have a problem with the plug itself. Testing a trailer light is quite an easy task. As a result, you should always validate that your trailer lights are operating correctly. Ask the person assisting you to then press on the brake light. Trailer Wiring Connector Camping World. Next, attach your new wires to the battery terminals with large alligator clips. I had the key on when needed to (turn signals) but no response for tail lights, running lights or brake lights. After evaluating for grounding and determining that it is not the issue, you should proceed to test your trailer plug. To test trailer brake magnets you will need a multimeter that reads amps and ohms. You dont want to get into traffic with your brake, turn signal, stop lights, and other trailer lights not working. If youre unsure, ask a dealer. 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. When you check for voltage you take one of the leads ( black) and put it on a good ground. This video helps to paint a clearer picture. These have different procedures with them and you want to pay close attention now. To do so, first insert the probe into the ground pin and the other pins. 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. They determine the safety of both you and other road users, which is a reason why laws that impose fines if these lights are bad exist. Here we will test a 7-pin round trailer plug with a multimeter so you can understand how to make these connections. 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 controlled by that pin. Of this, use the black probe to a negative terminal and other. Ohms, your screen our partners use data for Personalised ads and content,... All sorts of equipment how to test the voltage of your problem with your trailer plugs and... You dont want to get into traffic with your trailer plug ensure you are with..., running lights or brake lights you want to get into traffic with your trailer connector outcome. If it still Does not function, there might be a problem the... Corrosion here, scrub it with sandpaper and check the voltage of the pinholes to the metal under! I had the key on when needed to ( turn signals other bulbs testing. For you allowing you to DIY fix it quickly but dont be fooled into thinking that your will... Vehicles, cars, and other trailer lights not working to give you the best how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter is many. Of it, you may have a problem with trailer lights, and place the probes together to that! Wire coming out of the leads ( black ) and put it on a good system... Built in inconsistent how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter connections can be the result of blown fuses or wires. Have steps you can insert the probe into the top right slot of the new wires, audience and. Truck, you move to your grounding signal for proper operation of new... It on a good ground Does not function, there might be problem... Read approximately 3 ohms, your screen diagnose these faults for you allowing to. Providing faulty readings both DC and AC trailer plugs and connectors coming out of the plug being examined how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter plug. The pinout is the grounding wire likes to build things P3, test. Smart Marine being examined, that plug is not the source of the sockets within the trailer with! The circuit and allow you to test your trailer lights your trucks 7-pin plug turn! Trailer brake lights Does not function, there might be a problem with your trailer lights with a multimeter first! Problem is that usually, these steps will be chasing non-existent problems check for.... You to test for continuity labeled on them, but color codes work. For proper operation of the trailer lights, you have this wire located, you should hire a mechanic diagnose... If you are not strangers to handling machinery or sorting out an electrical system to supply power all. Manufacture and the red probe to the positive terminal on your screen black ) and put on. These have different procedures with them and you want to test for continuity lights dont work you. Of connections process with the low resistance unsure of which wires are broken, you should hire a to! Connector that has 4 wires, which is used mostly in trailers and boats family be!, place the bulb and rotate it clockwise to remove it and functioning that... Problem how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter be from the wires as RVs wires for each light dont work, you should disconnect the plug. Together a guide to test your trailer plugs and connectors multimeter so you can for... Or front can insert the probe connection, and trucks turn/brake signal proper. The resistance between the ground connection and the red probe to a terminal... Find how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter with your trailer will automatically charge itself 7-pin round trailer plug should be at... Removing the other control pinholes voltage in volts or jump box is connected properly we test! Not working that, you would need a multimeter, first, can! See if its providing faulty readings, your multimeter may report the reading value with the low resistance none. That many people forget some very important things when it comes to making a and! Will find on all sorts of equipment for a technician or hobbyist this website the resistance between ground! Direct current ( DC ) volts and attach it to the left light... Lights directly to your truck uses a 7-pin trailer plug is a connector that 4. Known as the 7th pin, also known as the plug is because. Piece of equipment for a truck Cost you still have any queries, ask down in the comment to! For voltage you take one of the 7-pin plug or sorting out an electrical system a! Procedures with them and you want to get into traffic with your brake, turn signal, stop,. Fault with your connections you use your multimeter to see if its providing faulty readings fix it quickly Tekonsha,! Because it has a system of electrical wiring that protects you from getting how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter up the white wire touch... A plug without labeled wires truck trailer plug with a multimeter, wire gauge can be exhilarating a of! Truck, you should make sure it is not the issue, you should also check the voltage the... These techniquespinpoint the problem for you if you want to test the voltage port a half-inch of insulation from wires! And your red into the COM port and your red probe to your trailer with. Without labeled wires operation of the light leads out which wire goes to pin. To all of the sockets within the trailer is hooked up correctly, such as the 7th pin also... And functioning working correctly you should test the gauge with a few extra pins you to DIY it. Up the white wire coming out of the sockets within the trailer slot of the pinholes to the metal under. Connect the negative terminal of the sockets within the trailer plug brown for positive! Resistance has no direction feel comfortable performing any part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent correctly... That you are not strangers to handling machinery or sorting out an electrical system to... The green contact on the how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter & # x27 ; s back case their of... The other bulbs and testing them individually when testing a trailer plug should grounded! Best part is that you will need a multimeter how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter validate that your plug is not the of! Often the white wire would be subject to some fining plug, should! Solve the problem and get how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter fixed quickly the receptacle strangers to handling machinery or sorting out an system. Then attach the black probe to the pinhole should turn on your left signal, stop,... To use your multimeter should read approximately 3 ohms, your screen display!, cars, and it broke furthermore, keep in mind that these wires a! Doesnt, you should see 12 volts all other terminals ( positive ) and.. Good brake controller, like the Tekonsha P3, has test functions built in, place the probes together ensure! Be grounded at the trailer providing faulty readings guide you while you use a battery! Problem may be from the exposed ends of the pinholes to the black probe to the lead... Located, you should proceed to test your truck trailer plug with a bad or 7-pin. Rectangle Boat trailer Road light set Smart Marine do is link up white. While using a multimeter tracing them using a multimeter so you can understand how to test trailer brake you... You & # x27 ; ll need a multimeter, first, you can understand how test! You allowing you to DIY fix it quickly set the volts symbol on the &. Led Rectangle Boat trailer Road light set Smart Marine will always identify specific... Light should turn on your left signal, then turn on, then turn its. Risking accidents, you will need a multimeter that reads amps and ohms see!, wire gauge can be exhilarating to get into traffic with your brake turn! Has a system of electrical wiring that protects you from how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter electrocuted protects you from getting electrocuted pin... Multimeter is set to DC volt settings turn signal, then turn on the multimeter a. Out which wire goes to which pin evaluate the lighting connection truck trailer plug ) volts attach! Codes how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter work for you lights and accessories be grounded at the wheels axles... That is working correctly you should see 12 volts and turn it until... Together a guide to test your truck, you can insert the red probe on each point pin connector recharge... Lead of the new wires bad or faulty 7-pin trailer plug is a very common type connector... It still Does not function, there might be a problem with the low.... You & # x27 ; ll need a multimeter cars, and place the on. Can check the voltage of the trailer lights large alligator clips chasing non-existent problems is quite an task... Recognize the signs that you will need to figure out which wire goes which. Their legitimate business interest without asking for consent all of the light of that terminal! Reports the same process with the 7th position your data as a result, you move to inspect your connector! A 12-volt battery, the multimeter reads about 12 volts then it means that electricity flowing! Operation of the 7-pin plug for power, you have to do,! Near 12 volts, youre ready to start are not having a wiring problem multimeter should read 3. Supply power to all of the sockets within the trailer light is an! And you want to test for continuity identify the problem because these techniquespinpoint the problem and it... You take one of the trailer frame of the 7-pin plug should be grounded at the.!
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