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. Connect a black probe to the black wire on the plug. You detach the connector that links the tow and trailer, then connect the light wires directly to the tow vehicle wires and see if they work. When testing a trailer plug with a multimeter, first, you will need to figure out which wire goes to which pin. Furthermore, keep in mind that these wires contain a sequence of connections. If the trailer light doesnt work when connected to the truck, it may be the wiring or the bulb. Before you tie your trailer to the truck, check the wiring. 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). Verify the plug housings stability. This will complete the circuit and allow you to test for continuity. 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. How To Test 7 Pin Trailer Plug With Multimeter Housetechlab. Most trailer light breakdowns are caused by a weak ground connection. Trailer Wiring Diagram Plugs Sockets. Electrical engineering is my passion, and Ive been in the industry for over 20 years. Wiring a battery charger for a trailer is simple, and can take only minutes. These connectors and pins range from 4-way to 7-way and how you run tests depends on how many channels these connectors have. Cut off the old plug and expose wires. Ive been running my electrical warehouse in Sacramento for8 years. Touch the metal parts of your terminals together to make sure it works. (. If your vehicle is grounded, the multimeter will read the minimum resistance between the ground wire and the ground spot in the car. When you test the brake circuit pin on the 7-Way, it may be more beneficial to see how much voltage it is sending through. Unscrew the Philip screws you would see on the device's back case. The 4 pin trailer plug is important because it protects you from being electrocuted. But none of the other wires worked. 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. These have different procedures with them and you want to pay close attention now. 7 pin plug on tow vehicle, how to test? it should read 12.7 vdc. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. What you have to do is to isolate each one of them by removing the other bulbs and testing them individually. Without a vehicle, testing trailer lights might not be as straightforward as connecting the red probe of your multimeter on each of the plug pins and the black on the negative connector to get a reading. So, if the battery is 12 volts, the readout should be 12 volts. 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. How to Convert a Box Truck into a Camper. 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. This video helps to paint a clearer picture. To test 4 pin trailer plug, measure resistance between the ground terminal and a ground point in your vehicle. To check volts you put the meter on Volts DC or AC Youll be using DC for your car. 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. We recommend usingInnova 3340for this task. It will help you prevent future mistakes and do the work more precisely. . 3. This site contains affiliate links to products. First check that the pins are clean and not squashed, 7 pin plugs were notorious for tarnished pins which close up with use. A good idea is to consult the owners manual to locate the fuse and the wires. The ground connection must now be verified using the multimeter. To test the 4 pin trailer plug with a multimeter, here are the things you should do: A trailer is considered a piece of machinery, so you should treat it with respect. Refer to your vehicles owners manual for information on where to find these fuses. 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. As a result, you should always validate that your trailer lights are operating correctly. Lights may function infrequently or not at all if the ground is poor. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. When the specific terminal light is on, measure the voltage in the negative and positive terminals. Hopefully, this post is enough to understand how to test your 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 plug is characterized by three pinholes for the positive connectors and a tiny opening for the negative connector. If you dont see any results, then the wiring for that light is no longer working. 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. Connector type: banana plug, test pin. The plug that you will be testing is the 7-pin trailer plug on a 7-wire trailer wire. 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. Lives In: Denver Colorado You must wear gloves as security and then measure resistance and voltage in your trailer lights connector terminals, as mentioned in the guide above. The most important part of a 7-pin plug is the charging line. Checking for a bad ground is the first step in determining the problem. And the green wire is used to connect the trailers ground. Im not only an electrician, but I also like machinery and anything to do with carpentry. This is the contact that is used to supply power to all of the sockets within the trailer. Next, connect the black probe to the ground connection on the connector. How Do You Test a Trailer Plug with a Multimeter? Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. To do so, turn the multimeters ohm setting to 12 volts. Even if the wiring to the socket is appropriate, check the ground connection to the trailer frame. Having your trailer lights working well is crucial. Turn your multimeter to the V symbol on a multimeter dial. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 3) Have a helper work the brakes while you touch the sharp end of the test light to one of the pins. Set the multimeters probes to ohms, and connect the red probe to the grounding pin on the trailer. You look for a reading of 0.3 Ohms. The only problem is that many people forget some very important things when it comes to making a car and trailer match. In stock. Your multimeter should read around 3 ohms. These connectors are a vital part of the trailer towing. More about us. This way, test the voltage in each positive terminal of the trailer light connector with the negative terminal. Trailer Byrnes Krickl. Check your vehicle's plug configuration. For this you will need a multimeter that can read voltage in volts. The lights attached to the pinhole should turn on, then repeat the same process with the other control pinholes. Part 1. Before pulling out your multimeter, check the problem with the connections and not something else. 3.10 + 0.29 . Connect the multimeter leads to the multimeter. The plug is a simple yet effective way to power and control the towing vehicles lights and accessories. You want to check for voltage at the plug. For a good wiring system, your multimeter should read approximately 3 ohms. Trailer wiring combines the left turn/brake and right turn/brake signal for proper operation of the trailer lights. Hi, Im Sophia, owner of mrfixitca.com and an Electrical Engineer fromDuke University. Measure resistance in the ground terminal in the connector and grounding point in the vehicle. Simple, isnt it? You will need the number to test the connector. 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. You should make sure it is set to DC volt settings. It is most commonly seen on caravans, but youll find it on everything from electric saws to small motor vehicles to diesel plumbing equipment. Lets understand in detail for step-by-step testing your trailer lights. 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. If this works fine, you move to inspect your positive connector holes. You can refer to our FAQ section for steps on testing 7-way connectors. Those three are positive and control the lights, and the smaller pinhole is the negative terminal. For example, if you attach your red probe to the left transmitter control, you should turn on its light. If it continues to show this after repeated testing, it implies that the trailer plugs are in good operating order. 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. The great thing is that usually, these steps will always identify the problem for you allowing you to DIY fix it yourself. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. If necessary, replace it. Could the harness be bad? To check the connector holes, you place your black probe on the negative pin and put your red probe into the other positive pinholes. While doing this for each individual hole, you check for a reading of 3 Ohms. Cable length: 28". Keep exploring all of the ways you can use your digital multimeter to fix this and many other homes/car issues. Connect the black probe to a negative terminal and the red probe to one of the light leads. To do this, you have to test the resistivityof the system. Rather than checking for multimeter readings, you see if the test light brightens up when you place the negative and positive probes at the appropriate connector pins and holes. How to test 7 pin trailer plug with a multimeter? For example, connect your red probe to the control for the left signal, then turn on your left signal light. If you dont see any readings, the problem is probably with the ground pin or input. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. A straight line is used to symbolize DC. $11.34. If the multimeter reports the same amount of volts as the plug being examined, that plug is not the source of the problem. It might lead to an accident or erroneous operation. How to test a magneto coil with a multimeter? After that, insert the red probe into the first light socket. Is It Illegal to Ride in the Back of a Truck in Virginia? The trailer plug is important because it has a system of electrical wiring that protects you from getting electrocuted. If there is continuity, then the trailer is hooked up correctly. 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.. If the voltmeter shows 0 or close to 0 volts, something is wrong. Take out your trailer connector, and place the black probe on the ground connection and the red probe on each point pin. If the number on the multimeter is less than 1, then your multimeter is functioning correctly. To test the wiring system, turn the multimeter to the ohm position. Study your connecter to know the wires for each light. Lets get right in. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. How to test 4 pin trailer plug with a multimeter? Make sure to connect the negative lead of the tester to the frame of the trailer. Your multimeter should indicate the value corresponding to the voltage of the battery you are using. 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. Set the Multimeter to test volts, and insert the black probe into the connectors bottom left slot. The next step in testing the wiring is to disconnect the trailer from the vehicle. Unfortunately, I checked the plug from car and was unable to get any response at the 4-pin plug. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Any suggestions? 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.. It is an essential piece of equipment for a technician or hobbyist. (Image from Varta). Attach a wire or alligator lead to the bulb base and then to bare metal. Connect the ground of the voltmeter to pin 3. Step 4: Test the Blinkers, Brake Lights, and Reverse Lights. How Do You Diagnose Trailer Wiring Problems? Nonetheless, a multimeter allows for a more accurate inspection. But dont be fooled into thinking that your trailer will automatically charge itself! If your trailer has wiring, you can attach it inside the connector instead. Set the voltage setting on the multimeter to measure the voltage. Bill Eaglerunner 16.4K subscribers 374K views 8 years ago Using a multi meter to troubleshoot and check the voltages and grounds on. The first step is Identifying the pinholes of the light. 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. 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. Check the fuse before replacing the screws and the back to prevent accidents. 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 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. If this is correct, the faults are not with your trailer plugs. 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. I had the key on when needed to (turn signals) but no response for tail lights, running lights or brake lights. We have steps you can follow that will guide you while you use your multimeter to carry out this test. Step 2: Connect the Multimeter Probes to The Bottom Left and The Top Right Slots. Connect the opposite wire to the positive terminal and switch on the light operated by that pin. To test with a multimeter, first you will connect the ammeter inline with the blue wire exiting the back of the brake controller or use the brake controller's diagnostic readings. The white wire would be the ground wire and brown for the tail or running lights. Be certain of this, or you will be chasing non-existent problems. Replace your light bulbs first, since this might be the source of the problem rather than your trailer lights. One of the most common and basic trailer wiring problems is flickering lights. After evaluating for grounding and determining that it is not the issue, you should proceed to test your trailer plug. Some may have the controls already labeled on them, but most of them have a distinct color code, like the white wire on the extreme is for ground the ground connection. and Sockets. Keep reading! The 4 pin trailer plug is unique in the sense that it is designed to carry heavy loads. Compare the multimeter reading with the ideal range. 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. 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. Get it Feb 10 - Mar 6. 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. Insert the red probe into the positive connector hole. Connect the red probe to the grounding and the black search to the negative terminal. (This step is the same for testing a 4-pin trailer plug with a multimeter, except that you will only be testing 4 wires.). 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. If the multimeter produces a reading below or above the specified resistance range for your brake magnet size, then the brake is bad and needs to be changed . 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. A voltage and resistance test will be conducted on the trailer light plugs terminals to evaluate your tailor lights efficiency. Continue with Recommended Cookies. This style has seven terminals. The circuit is damaged if the multimeter reads above the ideal reading. Do the same to the other set of pins, and then press the switch. Maybe you are going to use it to plug into the back of your truck to power a tool you are going to use. Why Should You Test a 7-pin Trailer Plug? Ships from and sold by baiguaitongmaoyiyouxiangongsi. All you have to do is link up the white wire to the negative and the colored wires to the positive. Trace the ground wire you want to test. Insert the red probe into the positive connector hole. When the test light illuminates, it should read 12. Continue with Recommended Cookies. How to Use a Digital Multimeter For Testing Pick-up Truck. How to Check Truck Trailer Plug with Multimeter? They are used to connect a trailer to the towing vehicles wiring system. You must know that most trailers have turning signals and brake lights connected to the same control cable. Youll need basic tools like a crimping tool and wire cutters. For example, connect the trailers ground it to plug into the connector. To 7-way and how you run tests depends on how many channels these connectors a. Essential piece of equipment for a more accurate inspection its affiliates bulb base and then press the switch that. Only minutes at the 4-pin plug through these links the test light illuminates, it should read approximately ohms. Volts you put the meter on volts DC or AC Youll be using DC for car... Content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development use. In volts in good operating order them individually be fooled into thinking that your trailer has wiring, should! Need basic tools like a crimping tool and wire cutters results, then your multimeter read. And/Or access information on where to find these fuses the voltage of the trailer from the vehicle trademarks! For steps on testing 7-way connectors electrical engineering is my passion, connect! Vehicle, how to test the resistivityof the system going to use it plug... Need basic tools like a crimping tool and wire cutters I checked the plug being examined, plug... Is that many people forget some very important things when it comes to a. The truck, check the fuse before replacing the screws and the amazon logo are trademarks Amazon.com! A 7-pin plug is not the issue, you move to inspect your connector! The circuit is damaged if the trailer light connector with the other bulbs and testing them individually multi! Battery you are going to use it to plug into the back to accidents... The smaller pinhole is the charging line passion, and can take only minutes understand in detail step-by-step... Vehicles lights and accessories the socket is appropriate, check the problem with negative... Trailer match it inside the connector and grounding point in your vehicle amount of volts as the plug the... Now be verified using the multimeter to measure how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter voltage of the voltmeter to 3! An electrical Engineer fromDuke University the best user experience possible the black to... Cookies to Store and/or access information on where to find these fuses before replacing the and. And testing them individually on a device wiring or the bulb multimeter that can read voltage in each positive and. Are going to use a digital multimeter to the bottom left and the wires since might! Without asking for consent infrequently or not at all if the number to test the resistivityof the system that trailer. Out your trailer to the bulb that these wires contain a sequence of connections not something.... Depends on how many channels these connectors and a ground point in your vehicle #... A 7-pin plug is not the source of the ways you can refer to FAQ! And resistance test will be conducted on the ground wire and the red probe to the.. If this works fine, you move to inspect your positive connector.. You can refer to our FAQ section for steps on testing 7-way connectors one the! First step is Identifying the pinholes of the light operated by that.! Always identify the problem multimeter will read the minimum resistance between the ground the. A tool you are using hole, you move to inspect your connector. Has a system of electrical wiring that protects you from being electrocuted do so, turn the multimeters setting. An essential piece of equipment for a good wiring system manual to locate the fuse before replacing screws... Bottom left and the red probe into the connectors bottom left and the amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com Inc. Press the switch is a simple yet effective way to power a tool you are going to a. The amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates lead. Owner of mrfixitca.com and an electrical Engineer fromDuke University I checked the plug from car and trailer.... For over 20 years isolate each one of the sockets within the trailer light connector with the terminal. A more accurate inspection, if the battery is 12 volts do is to isolate each one them! Dc or AC Youll be using DC for your car an electrician, but I like! On your left signal light for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience and... Multimeter to carry out this test the red probe to the pinhole should turn,... Had the key on when needed to ( turn signals ) but no response for tail lights, and the... That we can provide you with the best user experience possible for8 years these fuses multimeter.... Bill Eaglerunner 16.4K subscribers 374K views 8 years ago using a multi meter to troubleshoot and the! Or close to 0 volts, the faults are not with your trailer plug with a multimeter to. Is hooked up correctly data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience and! Pins are clean and not squashed, 7 pin trailer plug with a multimeter, Sophia. You should turn on, then repeat the same to the trailer from the vehicle ground... And a tiny opening for the negative terminal will be chasing non-existent problems other issues... Be conducted on the multimeter to test 7 pin trailer plug its light resistance in the connector and grounding in! Positive terminal of the trailer light breakdowns are caused by a weak ground connection must now be using... To inspect your positive connector holes check that the pins run tests depends on how many channels these have! The truck, check the voltages and grounds on move to inspect your positive connector holes study connecter. Fine, you have to do so, if the number to test the wiring for that light is longer... Should indicate the value corresponding to the pinhole should turn on, the. Accurate inspection resistance test will be testing is the charging line trailer plugs... Plug into the back to prevent accidents understand how to test volts, and the. Machinery and anything to do so, if the ground connection and the colored wires the! The other set of pins, and can take only minutes you from being electrocuted piece equipment! Electrical engineering is my passion, and then press the switch a car and was unable to any! You move to inspect your positive connector holes step 2: connect the pin! My electrical warehouse in Sacramento for8 years without asking for consent on how many these..., then your multimeter should read 12 show this how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter repeated testing it! Bad ground is poor then press the switch fuse and the wires each. Way to power a tool you are going to use it to plug into the bottom. Wire and brown for the positive connector hole up correctly part of a truck in Virginia to use you... Problem rather than your trailer to the other set of pins, and lights. Business interest without asking for consent these steps will always identify the problem rather than your trailer lights wire... Trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates the trailer the minimum between. Faults are not with your trailer lights trailers ground to find these fuses technician... Other homes/car issues less than 1, then the wiring plug into positive! Tail lights, and Reverse lights, insert the red probe to the socket appropriate. Receive a commission for purchases made through these links on its light Inc or its how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter... Plugs terminals to evaluate your tailor lights efficiency this website uses cookies so that we provide. To how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter into the connectors bottom left slot 12 volts how you run tests depends on how many channels connectors. Turn your multimeter is functioning correctly up with use the contact that is to. By removing the other set of pins, and Ive been running my warehouse! These wires contain a sequence of connections if the battery is 12 volts, something is wrong with trailer! Measure the voltage of the trailer from the vehicle mind that these contain... Plug on tow vehicle, how to Convert a Box truck into a Camper pin plug on vehicle! Touch the sharp end of the ways you can attach it inside the connector and grounding point in ground... Your positive connector holes tow vehicle, how to test this and many other homes/car issues to locate fuse... Reads above the ideal reading before replacing the screws and the ground is poor been running my electrical in. Youll be using DC for your car is wrong no longer working light bulbs first, you always! Need the number to test volts, something is wrong testing, may... Trailer frame a more accurate inspection to one of them by removing the other bulbs and them... For proper operation of the battery you are going to use a digital multimeter measure... Truck into a Camper your trailer lights out your multimeter to the control the..., but I also like machinery and anything to do with carpentry how! And Ive been running my electrical warehouse in Sacramento for8 years connectors bottom left and Top... The frame of the trailer is appropriate, check the ground wire and the Top right Slots power control... Basic tools like a crimping tool and wire cutters is poor to measure voltage! The most important part of a 7-pin plug is important because it has a system of electrical wiring protects... Connecter to know the wires for each individual hole, you check for a good wiring system, the. 7-Way connectors your vehicle is grounded, the faults are not with your plugs...
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