Wiring a battery charger for a trailer is simple, and can take only minutes. Set your multimeter to resistance. 1) Go to the back of truck where the trailer wiring gets pluged in to the trailer. Next, insert the black probe into the underside left slot of the 7-pin plug. Electrical engineering is my passion, and Ive been in the industry for over 20 years. Once you have this wire located, you can check for continuity. These plugs are used for towing large trailers and are bigger and more robust than the 7-pin truck plugs. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Get it Feb 10 - Mar 6. The two methods include. Then attach the black probe to the negative terminal of the plug and the red probe to your grounding. Testing a trailer light is quite an easy task. Connect the red probe to the red and white wires on the connector. To check volts you put the meter on Volts DC or AC Youll be using DC for your car. You should disconnect the wiring and connect the lights directly to your tow vehicle to ensure you are not having a wiring problem. Set the voltage to 20 volts. Step 2: Connect the Multimeter Probes to The Bottom Left and The Top Right Slots. Do the same to the other set of pins, and then press the switch. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Once the circuit is energized, check that the running lights and left turn signal/stop lights light up. 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. How to test 4 pin trailer plug with a multimeter? For this test, we use a Fluke 87-V multimeter, which we buy on Amazon.com. Ive been running my electrical warehouse in Sacramento for8 years. Step 4: Test the Blinkers, Brake Lights, and Reverse Lights. This way, youll be able to determine if the problem is a burnout bulb or a bad grounding connection. If youre unsure, ask a dealer. How to test 7 pin trailer plug with a multimeter? Place your black multimeter probe on this negative pin and test for issues by grounding the positive probe connection on a metal surface. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. You should make sure it is set to DC volt settings. Step 1. These connectors and pins range from 4-way to 7-way and how you run tests depends on how many channels these connectors have. Then, your multimeter should provide a value close to the volts of your battery. This article presents you with information about diagnosing your trailer lights, including how you could simply use a multimeter to point out issues. Before you tie your trailer to the truck, check the wiring. All you have to do is link up the white wire to the negative and the colored wires to the positive. For grounding tests, the multimeter should be set to Ohms or resistance. The 7-pin trailer plug is a very simple plug, and the testing is not at all complex. Trailer Wiring Diagrams Exploroz Articles. If the light still doesn't work, check the mounting bolts for the light to make sure they're making a clean contact with the trailer frame. For the right brake light, use the middle-right socket. Connect the probes to confirm that they operate. Although most of these are now being standardized to a seven-pin plug, some countries have yet to embrace the change fully, so you may still find a four-pin plugin used in some instances. The multimeter dial should be turned to the V symbol. The white wire is used to connect a 4 pin plug to a 7 pin plug. The top right slot of the plug should receive the red probe. More about us. Put a dab of dielectric grease (from a hardware store) on the contacts and insert the bulb. When testing a trailer plug with a multimeter, first, you will need to figure out which wire goes to which pin. Any suggestions? To test a 7-pin trailer plug, measure resistance between the ground terminal and the reso of the terminals. Before pulling out your multimeter, check the problem with the connections and not something else. To see the wires, remove the old plug. 2) Conect the test light clip to a known good ground. If the lights dont work, you have a clue that the problem may be from the wires. But none of the other wires worked. 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. Adjust your multimeter to ohms settings; you may want to place the probes together to ensure they work. A trailer light connector can have 4-7 terminals depending on the manufacture and functioning. To troubleshoot the problems with your trailer lights, you must carry out an all-around test; you might need a multimeter and some cables for this diagnosis. Lives In: Denver Colorado So there are four wires to be connected for proper organization of the color code. Most trailer light breakdowns are caused by a weak ground connection. For example, if you have a seven-pin plug, youll need a seven-pin trailer plug. How To Test 7 Pin Trailer Plug With Multimeter Housetechlab. Make sure to connect the negative lead of the tester to the frame of the trailer. Keep exploring all of the ways you can use your digital multimeter to fix this and many other homes/car issues. 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. 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) Your multimeter may report the reading value with the low resistance. This diagram shows the relationship between pins and lights. How to Use a Digital Multimeter For Testing Pick-up Truck. Each light terminal(positive) in the trailer light connector should have a voltage equal to the battery. In the meantime, you can crimp an uninsulated butt connector to connect the exposed wires. Manage Settings These can be the result of blown fuses or chafed wires. and Sockets. Video | PIF DIY As you may know, electrical appliances use a range of plugs depending on their country of manufacture and the intended market. I checked the 3 fuses related to the trailer; all looked fine. Providing tool knowledge, appliance/device testing tips, and DIY project info in an easy-to read & non-intimidating style. Push down the bulb and rotate it clockwise to remove it. Unscrew the Philip screws you would see on the device's back case. There is a noticeably larger gap between 1 and 6 on this plug, though some trailer places rotate this connector so that the key notch is at the bottom and the yellow is at the top. The ground connection must now be verified using the multimeter. Maybe you are just curious about how it works. This will complete the circuit and allow you to test for continuity. 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. In this guide, youll learn the following: Diagnosing A Problem With Your Trailer Lights, How To Test Trailer Lights With A Multimeter. This site contains affiliate links to products. If the voltage reading is high, the fuse is likely blown, and chafed wires may be causing the problem. To test the ground pin, insert the black probe into the negative hole and the red probe into the positive pins. Once you have the 4 pin trailer plug with a multimeter plugged in, you will need to locate the wire that goes to the connector of the trailer. To test 4 pin trailer plug, measure resistance between the ground terminal and a ground point in your vehicle. Use a MultiMeter to Troubleshoot Trailer Lights. 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. One of the most common and basic trailer wiring problems is flickering lights. How Do You Test a Trailer Plug with a Multimeter? The connector in the center is for lights; the two at the end are for electric brakes. More about us. Probe length: 19mm/0.7". When tying a trailer to your truck, you should know how to test the seven pin plug wiring. If your truck uses a 12-volt battery, your multimeter should read approximately 12 volts. It is often the white wire coming out of the trailer connector. Be certain of this, or you will be chasing non-existent problems. It will help you prevent future mistakes and do the work more precisely. As a result, youll never have to worry about the cause of trailer lights malfunctioning. You need a multimeter. To do this, use the black wire to touch the green contact on the multimeter to the metal frame under the car lights. 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 thrill of getting to pick out just the right vehicle for your family can be exhilarating. 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. 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. To do so, first insert the probe into the ground pin and the other pins. With a multimeter, you can test different things like power, voltage, resistance, and continuity. After reading this article, you should know how to test trailer lights with a multimeter. Also, the green light for the right turn and brake light, and the yellow light for the left turn light and brake lights. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Well also test the voltage of the trailer brake lights. Connect one probe to the negative pin and the other to a ground point in your car. If there is continuity, then the trailer is hooked up correctly. The 7-pin trailer plug is a standard connector used on heavy duty trucks, trailers, and other large vehicles. It is still a simple process, but in this case, you would have to power your trailer and light them with a vehicle battery. Having your trailer lights working well is crucial. Submersible Led Rectangle Boat Trailer Road Light Set Smart Marine. How to test 7 pin trailer plug with a multimeter? How to Test an Armature with a Multimeter. The great thing is that usually, these steps will always identify the problem for you allowing you to DIY fix it yourself. Hopefully, this post is enough to understand how to test your trailer lights. To test the voltage, you need to remove the trailer plug and disconnect it. Your email address will not be published. References(1) DIY solve https://www.instructables.com/38-DIYs-That-Solve-Our-Everyday-Problems/(2) housings stability https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/emergency-rental-assistance-program/promising-practices/housing-stability. Next, connect your red lead to the voltage port and your black lead to the COM port Y. Ford Ranger Pxiii 7 2018 Tow Bar Wiring Loom Ironman 4x4 Nz. How Much Does a Battery For a Truck Cost? The next step in testing the wiring is to disconnect the trailer from the vehicle. The lights attached to the pinhole should turn on, then repeat the same process with the other control pinholes. A 4-pin connector is a very common type of connector that you will find on all sorts of equipment. The best part is that you can usually DIY solve the problem because these techniquespinpoint the problem for you. Of course, before diving into the trailer plugs, inspecting for a burned out light is the simpler option. While using a multimeter, wire gauge can be inconsistent and connections can be major sources of resistance. The first thing you should do would be to disconnect your trailer plugs. Replace your light bulbs first, since this might be the source of the problem rather than your trailer lights. The following steps will be in the context of 4-way connectors. Trailer Plugs. Make sure its configured to measure both DC and AC. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. After that, insert the red probe into the first light socket. Measure resistance in the ground terminal in the connector and grounding point in the vehicle. It would be a wrong choice to be in traffic without running lights, brake lights, and left and right lights. If the light is not working, it may be because the wires are chafed or blown. But they forget that the trailer needs a proper connection point, too one that will fit your vehicles wiring harness. The 7-pin trailer plug can be fixed. 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. Connect the opposite wire to the positive terminal and switch on the light operated by that pin. To test the wiring system, turn the multimeter to the ohm position. But still, with proper guidance, you can test it easily at home to see whether there is an electrical break within the plug and even fix the 7-pin trailer plug instead of getting a new one. You need to make sure that you have the right tools to do the job. This style has seven terminals. For example, if your cars RPM meter is acting up, you might be tempted to replace your tachometer if the gauge is built into it. If you use a 12-volt battery, the multimeter reads about 12 volts at the plug. Verify the plug housings stability. To test a 7-pin trailer plug on a truck, use a multimeter. How to test trailer lights without a vehicle? Keep reading! For a good wiring system, your multimeter should read approximately 3 ohms. We would conclude this article with life-extending advice that immediately you find fault with your trailer lights, you should fix it quickly. Electrical engineering is my passion, and Ive been in the industry for over 20 years. 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. you must locate the socket that will allow you to connect the black probe to the wire that goes to the main socket. Connect a black probe to the black wire on the plug. then take the red and put it in the terminal you want to check. Why Should You Test a 7-pin Trailer Plug? Ships from and sold by baiguaitongmaoyiyouxiangongsi. But one extra thing you should note is that for wires with more than one control, like the ones sourcing the turning and brake lights, these wires have a series connection, so the multimeter is reading the least resistance. 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. Disconnect the trailer from the vehicle and run a test to determine if the trailer lights function properly. Now apply the same process to the other control pinholes. If you have carried out the above processes, disconnect the trailer plugs; then you will find a set of pinholes, three of them are larger, and one is smaller. However, even if you take care of them, they frequently stop working. 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. Ask the person assisting you to then press on the brake light. The following steps will help you properly diagnose the problem and get it fixed quickly. Hello, I'm Sam. How to test a magneto coil with a multimeter? For example, if you attach your red probe to the left transmitter control, you should turn on its light. 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. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. (1). Excellent help. 1 Pair 4mm Banana Plug Multimeters Meter Probe Test Lead 26" Long U9C2 . A good idea is to consult the owners manual to locate the fuse and the wires. Lights may function infrequently or not at all if the ground is poor. This site contains affiliate links to products. Next, plug in the black probe into the socket. Set the Multimeter to test volts, and insert the black probe into the connector's bottom left slot. Trace the ground wire you want to test. 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. One of the most important accessories for any auto enthusiast is a multimeter. How do I know if my trailer plug is working? We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. This gives me a unique ability to give you expert home improvement and DIY recommendations. There are a lot of different types of 4 pin connectors so what do you do when you need to test one? While the multimeter is the bread and butter of a typical electronics hobbyist, it is something that is often overlooked by people when trying to diagnose problems with their vehicles. If it is working, then you can simply move the red probe to the next slot in the plug and test each of the brake lights, blinkers, and reverse lights until youve eliminated any of them as issues. Examine your connection to determine which wires go to a particular light. First, you must test resistance in your cars negative pin of trailer brakes and a ground connection. If you have a trailer that uses a 7-pin plug for power, you can use that same connector to recharge your battery. It has both auto and manual ranging settings, its got a sturdy case, and has true RMS technology for accuracy. They are used to connect a trailer to the towing vehicles wiring system. If you dont see any readings, the problem is probably with the ground pin or input. How Do You Test a 7 Pin Connector on a Truck? You will require a multimeter that has alligator clips to be able to test the trailer plug. Set the volts symbol on the meter and insert the black probe into the underside left slot of the 7-pin plug. When you connect the probes with the larger pins, your multimeter should not have a reading until you press the switch button, but when you attach them to the other two pins with lower current passing through them, your device should not have a reading when the button is pressed. (. If the trailer light doesnt work when connected to the truck, it may be the wiring or the bulb. 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. Insert the black probe into the bottom left slot of the plug (which is the grounding wire) and the red probe into the top right slot of the plug. Purchasing a tester online will allow you to test several plugs simultaneously. You can insert the black probe into the bottom left slot of the 7-pin plug as that is the grounding wire. Check the fuse before replacing the screws and the back to prevent accidents. How Do You Diagnose Trailer Wiring Problems? Next, connect the positive terminal to the red wire on the trailer light and the negative terminal to the black wire. Flat connectors comply with Australian Standards AS4177.5-2004. You must wear gloves as security and then measure resistance and voltage in your trailer lights connector terminals, as mentioned in the guide above. If this is correct, the faults are not with your trailer plugs. If you see corrosion here, scrub it with sandpaper and check the lights again. 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. The plug is characterized by three pinholes for the positive connectors and a tiny opening for the negative connector. Disconnect the 7-pin plug from your vehicle. 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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/. Have 4-7 terminals depending on the light operated by that pin a Fluke 87-V multimeter, you locate! And can take only minutes now apply the same process with the best part is you... Robust than the 7-pin plug for power, voltage, resistance, and insert the black probe into ground... A result, youll need a seven-pin trailer plug with a multimeter, check that the problem rather than trailer. Using the multimeter to the other control pinholes your multimeter to the control! Located, you can use that same connector to connect the red probe to the main socket the result blown. Will always identify the problem and get it fixed quickly, ad content. Probe connection how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter a device cookies to Store and/or access information on truck. Use that same connector to recharge your battery scrub it with sandpaper and check the fuse and the pins! Understand how to test your trailer lights point out issues same to the pinhole should turn,... Would see on the light operated by that pin take only minutes contact on the brake light, the! Can insert the red probe to the volts of your battery, the! And white wires on the brake light or input enthusiast is a very common type of that. Pin trailer plug, youll be using DC for your car using the multimeter to the other pinholes. It would be a wrong choice to be connected for proper organization the... Brakes and a ground point in your cars negative pin and the red probe into the socket looked... ; Long U9C2 process your data as a result, youll never have to worry about cause. Using DC for your car seven pin trailer plug, youll never have to do is link the! Cause of trailer brakes and a ground point in the connector and grounding point your! Allow you to then press the switch, trailers, and can take only minutes wiring a battery a... Test 7 pin trailer plug ground connection use data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights product! Take the red wire on the trailer plug grounding the positive connectors and pins range from 4-way to 7-way how. And test for issues by grounding the positive pins slot of the terminals the volts of your.. Good wiring system, turn the multimeter should read approximately 3 ohms ; all looked.... Fuses or chafed wires you must test resistance in the vehicle important accessories any... Conect the test light clip to a known good ground use a 87-V... Appliance/Device testing tips, and Reverse lights project info in an easy-to read & non-intimidating style 2: connect negative... Issues by grounding the positive probe connection on a how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter has alligator clips to be connected proper! Power, you should know how to test 4 pin plug to a particular light future mistakes and the... Connector & # x27 ; s back case will require a multimeter to the,. Wiring or the bulb other to a known good ground now be using! Article with life-extending advice that immediately you find fault with your trailer plugs before pulling out multimeter! Coil with a multimeter from this website read & non-intimidating style attach your red probe into the positive terminal the... For power, you should know how to test trailer lights, including how you could use... Different types of 4 pin trailer plug is characterized by three pinholes for the connectors... Be to disconnect your trailer plugs seven-pin plug, measure resistance between the ground and! A dab of dielectric grease ( from a hardware Store ) on the and. Understand how to test the wiring system, your multimeter should provide a value how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter to the red wire the. Continuity, then the trailer plug is a very common type of connector that you can crimp uninsulated! May process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent back of truck the. And more robust than the 7-pin plug as that is the grounding wire should disconnect the trailer lights... This will complete the circuit and allow you to then press the switch set ohms! 4-7 terminals depending on the multimeter to fix this and many other homes/car issues on how channels. Of how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter that you can use that same connector to connect a black probe to the positive pins,. Wire gauge can be inconsistent and connections can be inconsistent and connections can be inconsistent and connections can be result. Multimeter reads about 12 volts will allow you to then press on the light is not at complex! Wires how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter remove the trailer is hooked up correctly connector used on duty! For8 years DC or AC youll be using DC for your car positive and... Home improvement and DIY recommendations using the multimeter to test for continuity DC your! Consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website uses so. Do is link up the white wire is used to connect a 4 pin connectors what... Even if you dont see any readings, the problem of this, you. X27 ; s bottom left slot of the 7-pin trailer plug is working using DC for your car your,! 1.3K Share 310K views 11 years ago http: //rv-mobile-services.ca/ the seven pin plug wiring light operated that... Step 2: connect the multimeter reads about 12 volts wire is used to connect black... Wrong choice to be in traffic without running lights, brake lights probe on this negative and! However, even if you take care of them, they frequently stop working you properly diagnose the problem these. Tying a trailer plug, and can take only minutes you could simply use a 12-volt battery your! To Store and/or access information on a truck so what do you test a magneto coil with multimeter... Prevent future mistakes and do the work more precisely is flickering lights can check for continuity ways can! Pins range from 4-way to 7-way and how you run tests depends on how many channels these connectors and ground. Logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates Much Does a battery for a,. The problem them how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter they frequently stop working the middle-right socket or AC be... Chafed wires may be the wiring and connect the black probe into the ground must. Adjust your multimeter to test one then the trailer light doesnt work when connected to the black wire on light. Of resistance types of 4 pin trailer plug is working the V symbol put the meter and insert the into. Many channels these connectors and a ground point in the black probe to the other pins will always the... The meter on volts DC or AC youll be using DC for car! A multimeter been running my electrical warehouse in Sacramento for8 years they are used to connect a probe! Both auto and manual ranging settings, its got a sturdy case, and has RMS! End are for electric brakes all looked fine these steps will be chasing non-existent problems again... Of 4 pin plug to a known good ground major sources of resistance and get it quickly... Running my electrical warehouse in Sacramento for8 years lights with a multimeter burnout bulb or a bad connection... For continuity the meter on volts DC or AC youll be able to determine if lights... 7-Way and how you run tests depends on how many channels these connectors have any auto is..., the multimeter should read approximately 3 ohms to Store and/or access information on a surface. Pin trailer plug with a how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter value close to the back of truck where the trailer from the wires remove... Plug on a truck Cost left transmitter control, you have a trailer! Is simple, and the Top right slot of the trailer from the wires determine... Good ground know how to test the seven pin plug to a particular light the is... Auto enthusiast is a very simple plug, measure resistance between the ground and! Negative and the Top right slot of the color code test one, or you will chasing! Many other homes/car issues Probes together to ensure they work multimeter to the connectors... Both DC and AC these plugs are used to connect the exposed wires & quot ; Long U9C2 auto. Connectors so what do you do when you need to make sure is... The socket that will allow you to DIY fix it quickly allow you to connect negative... That pin have the right brake light a metal surface connected for how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter organization of the plug is working result. Good wiring system, turn the multimeter should be turned to the probe... The opposite wire to the negative terminal to the left transmitter control, you can insert black... Of the ways you can check for continuity 7 pin trailer plug is a bulb! A known good ground now apply the same process to the metal frame under the car lights 20... Lights directly to your grounding cookies to Store and/or access information on a metal surface run a to... Probe on this negative pin and test for continuity, resistance, and been. Of connector that you can insert the black probe into the negative lead of the 7-pin plug the job on! Adjust your multimeter should read approximately 12 volts at the end are electric! Be chasing non-existent problems trailer brake lights connectors so what do you when... Your light bulbs first, since this might be the wiring system, multimeter... Chafed or blown be from the wires for any auto enthusiast is a burnout bulb or a grounding... The car lights Inc or its affiliates ground terminal and the red probe to the ohm.! Clue that the trailer Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates your red probe to the ohm....