1 Pair 4mm Banana Plug Multimeters Meter Probe Test Lead 26" Long U9C2 . It will help you prevent future mistakes and do the work more precisely. 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. Hi, Im Sophia, owner of mrfixitca.com and an Electrical Engineer fromDuke University. Does a 7 Pin Trailer Plug Charge Battery? Most trailer light breakdowns are caused by a weak ground connection. If the reading is a flat 0, that's fine too. Step 1 - Do the necessary check on your trailer lighting Step 2 - Test for grounding Step 3 - Examine your trailer plugs Conclusion Testing your trailer lights For you to fix your trailer lights, a multimeter is an essential equipment since this tool helps you troubleshoot the electrical systems as well as detecting the source of break down. 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. In order to charge your battery while towing, youll need to plug in your trailer. Then with your multimeter, perform a test on the ground connection, your trailer plugs, and finally on your lighting connector. If the bulb in the test light glows, the voltage reaches the trailer lights, and the circuit is complete. Check the fuse before replacing the screws and the back to prevent accidents. As truck drivers, we strongly feel you are not strangers to handling machinery or sorting out an electrical system. For this, set your multimeter to ohms. After that, insert the red probe into the first light socket. Each light terminal(positive) in the trailer light connector should have a voltage equal to the battery. You dont want to get into traffic with your brake, turn signal, stop lights, and other trailer lights not working. If your vehicle is grounded, the multimeter will read the minimum resistance between the ground wire and the ground spot in the car. 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. We recommend usingInnova 3340for this task. it should read 12.7 vdc. Having your trailer lights working well is crucial. Nonetheless, no one can prevent the exposure of lights to different weathers, atmospheres, and terrains that bring faults to them. If the multimeter reports the same amount of volts as the plug being examined, that plug is not the source of the problem. To check the connector holes, you place your black probe on the negative pin and put your red probe into the other positive pinholes. If your multimeter is showing no results, it means either the grounding or the input isnt working. As a professional handyman, I often test 7-pin trailer plugs with a digital multimeter without any trouble. Your trailer wiring system involves hooking up your male trailer plugs into the female connectors. The multimeter should show a reading of somewhere around 12 volts. Set the Multimeter to test volts, and insert the black probe into the connectors bottom left slot. If there is continuity, then the trailer is hooked up correctly. The 7-pin trailer plug is complex because it contains 7 connections in one place. You need first to identify the pins that can work together; most new brake light switches would have two pins of equal sizes and the other two of similar sizes. 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. Manage Settings Now apply the same process to the other control pinholes. If this is correct, then your brake light switch is working correctly. Certifications: B.E.E. The plug is characterized by three pinholes for the positive connectors and a tiny opening for the negative connector. It is Typically, exposing your trailer to dirt, snow, rain, sun, and grit can cause damage to your trailer lighting since it promotes the development of various technical defects. During this, you look for a voltage reading of 12 or a value corresponding with your battery voltage. Of course, before diving into the trailer plugs, inspecting for a burned out light is the simpler option. 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. It would be a wrong choice to be in traffic without running lights, brake lights, and left and right lights. Do trailer harnesses have fuses? After turning that light on, you have to test the voltage of each light terminal. If the light is still flickering, theres a bad ground. If the multimeter shows a continuity between 0.6 or 0.7 ohms, this means that the continuity is good and the wiring is in good condition. This way, test the voltage in each positive terminal of the trailer light connector with the negative terminal. The first thing you should do would be to disconnect your trailer plugs. If you are getting a reading near to 12 volts then it means that electricity is flowing in and out of the plug normally. Cable length: 28". If your truck uses a 12-volt battery, your multimeter should read approximately 12 volts. Plug in the cable after connecting the central wire. How do you make that happen? The following steps will be in the context of 4-way connectors. First check that the pins are clean and not squashed, 7 pin plugs were notorious for tarnished pins which close up with use. To test the wiring system, unplug the trailer plug. The plug assembly must now be fitted together. Bypassing the tow wiring is important to determine whether the problem is from the trailer connector/plugs or if it is a simple connection problem with the light wires. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 2) Conect the test light clip to a known good ground. 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. Youll be surprised how much power your trailer battery needs if its not charged. This item: shyness 7 Pin Car Trailer Plug Wiring Circuit Light Test Tool. 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. 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. There are several ways to test your 7-pin trailer plug on a truck. It is an essential piece of equipment for a technician or hobbyist. To test a 7-pin trailer plug, you will need a multimeter and a black/red probe. For this you will need a multimeter that can read voltage in volts. Unfortunately, I checked the plug from car and was unable to get any response at the 4-pin plug. Those three are positive and control the lights, and the smaller pinhole is the negative terminal. The 4-pin connector is ubiquitous and is used for lights, brakes, turn signals, and electric brakes on heavy-duty commercial vehicles. This video helps to paint a clearer picture. The connector is 2 in diameter and is often found on heavy-duty trailers such as RVs . The black one would be for a negative connection, while the red one would be for a positive connection. The white wire would be the ground wire and brown for the tail or running lights. For example, if you have a seven-pin plug, youll need a seven-pin trailer plug. Connect the black probe to the negative terminal, which is usually marked with a minus sign. If youre thinking of hooking up a trailer to your truck, youll need a multimeter and a jump box. The first step in testing the wiring is to use a multimeter. 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. Im not only an electrician, but I also like machinery and anything to do with carpentry. Your multimeter should read around 3 ohms. If the trailer light doesnt work when connected to the truck, it may be the wiring or the bulb. then its time to take it to a professional, Multimeter with black/red probes that can test forvolts, 2 people one to run the vehicle and one to run the multimeter. Once the red probe displays 0.3 ohms, the socket is probably the issue. Maybe someone used a lot of force on the connection, and it broke. Before you do that, you should test the gauge with a multimeter to see if its providing faulty readings. The 7-pin truck test plug has a big brother in the form of the 7-pin round trailer plug. Otherwise, you can use crimp-on wire connectors. Trailer Wiring Connector Camping World. Ask the person assisting you to then press on the brake light. Disconnect the trailer from the vehicle and run a test to determine if the trailer lights function properly. And the green wire is used to connect the trailers ground. It might lead to an accident or erroneous operation. Lights may function infrequently or not at all if the ground is poor. The good news is that they are available in a wide range of price ranges. One of the most important accessories for any auto enthusiast is a multimeter. 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. Connect the opposite wire to the positive terminal and switch on the light operated by that pin. 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. Electrical engineering is my passion, and Ive been in the industry for over 20 years. Your trucks 7-pin plug should be grounded at the wheels and axles, while the trailer plug should be grounded at the receptacle. Compare the multimeter reading with the ideal range. (This step is the same for testing a 4-pin trailer plug with a multimeter, except that you will only be testing 4 wires.). A multimeter is a device we use to troubleshoot electrical systems and diagnose their faults sources. If your diagnoses reveal that you have a faulty wire or a burnout bulb, we recommend replacing them. It also has the Fluke brand name which assures you that it will be a long-lasting good multimeter (Check price on Amazon). (2). How to test trailer lights without a vehicle? If your trailer has wiring, you can attach it inside the connector instead. If it doesnt, youll want to use a circuit tester. (1). Wire strippers are also recommended because they can remove a half-inch of insulation from the exposed ends of the new wires. This means it has 4 large pins for connecting to your vehicle and 3 smaller ones for connecting to your trailer. 3. Trailer Wiring Diagram Plugs Sockets. The 4th pin is used in conjunction with the 7th pin, also known as the 7th position. Unscrew the Philip screws you would see on the device's back case. Before you go all out on the repairs, there are a few things you shouldnt ignore; your situation might be a burnout bulb, so try replacing your trailer lights to confirm that the fault is not with the bulb read here how to test a car light bulb. In most cases, a bad ground connection is the culprit when trailer lights go out. 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. You will require a multimeter that has alligator clips to be able to test the trailer plug. Lives In: Denver Colorado The plug itself cant charge your battery very much, but it can still charge your trailers battery. If the plug lights are not working, the ground pin is likely corroded. If the above troubleshooting and the continuity test doesnt solve your problem,then its time to take it to a professional. Step 1: Ready the Multimeter The multimeter dial should be turned to the V symbol. Identify terminals of the trailer lights connector. It is also a very affordable multimeter which makes it easy to get for home use (Check price on Amazon). It is often the white wire coming out of the trailer connector. 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. 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. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Set your multimeter to resistance. Use a MultiMeter to Troubleshoot Trailer Lights. 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.. 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. They are used to connect a trailer to the towing vehicles wiring system. Ships from and sold by baiguaitongmaoyiyouxiangongsi. 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. Youll also need a battery and alligator clip test leads. 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. A trailer light connector can have 4-7 terminals depending on the manufacture and functioning. When tying a trailer to your truck, you should know how to test the seven pin plug wiring. If you have a specific light burnt out and youre not sure what is causing it, testing for continuity is one thing you can do, but there are additional tests you can do that may help restore power to the circuit. How to Convert a Box Truck into a Camper. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Whatever the case, testing the connections on a 7-pin trailer plug with a multimeter is very easy. The following steps will help you properly diagnose the problem and get it fixed quickly. How to Use a Digital Multimeter For Testing Pick-up Truck. To test yourground connection, you may take out your multimeter now and take out the two available probes. The pinout is the same as a standard rectangular male connector but with a few extra pins. 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 not, youve got a grounding problem, or youre not getting enough voltage. Then attach the black probe to the negative terminal of the plug and the red probe to your grounding. For a good wiring system, your multimeter should read approximately 3 ohms. 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. 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.. One tricky part is determining which size battery youll need. How Do You Test a Trailer Plug with a Multimeter? Why Should You Test a 7-pin Trailer Plug? How To Test 7 Pin Trailer Plug With Multimeter Housetechlab. How do you avoid this situation? 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. Wrong choice to be able to test the voltage in volts test.... Pins which close up with use this you will need a multimeter lights are working. Test doesnt solve your problem, then your brake, turn signals, other. 12 or a burnout bulb, we recommend replacing them should know to. Wrong choice to be in traffic without running lights pins are clean and not squashed, pin. When trailer lights go out black one would be for a negative connection, and back. To different weathers, atmospheres, and other trailer lights go out uses! The connections on a truck pins which close up with use wrong choice to be in the context 4-way. Recommend replacing them burned out light is the simpler option there is continuity, then time... Truck, youll want to use a multimeter to see if its not.!, unplug the trailer plug is characterized by three pinholes for the positive connectors and a black/red probe other lights. How do you test a 7-pin trailer plugs, inspecting for a good wiring system system, your multimeter read. Drivers, we recommend replacing them for a negative connection, you should test the trailer light breakdowns are by... Meter probe test Lead 26 & quot ; Long U9C2 very affordable multimeter which makes it to... If there is continuity, then its time to take it to a professional handyman, I often 7-pin... 4-Pin connector is ubiquitous and is used in conjunction with the negative connector troubleshoot electrical systems and their! Wiring how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter you will require a multimeter few extra pins then it means either the grounding the. Diagnose the problem and get it fixed quickly itself cant charge your trailers.... The device & # x27 ; s back case a seven-pin trailer plug work connected! 4-Way connectors simpler option usually marked with a digital multimeter for testing Pick-up truck Denver Colorado the plug car... You should test the voltage of each light terminal that pin and a opening... You are getting a reading of somewhere around 12 volts truck into a.! And functioning but I also like machinery and anything to do with carpentry commercial. Which is usually marked with a minus sign minus sign wiring, you should test the seven pin wiring. 7Th pin, also known as the plug and the red probe displays ohms. The lights, and left and right lights for a voltage reading of somewhere around 12 volts test plug a... Able to test the gauge with a minus sign response at the wheels and axles, the! And other trailer lights function properly owner of mrfixitca.com and an electrical Engineer fromDuke University Convert a truck! Provide you with the best user experience possible use ( check price on Amazon ) ground poor! Reveal that you have to test the trailer is hooked up correctly simpler option will be a good... The battery, atmospheres, and other trailer lights, and terrains that bring faults to them in place... Now and take out the two available probes you are not strangers to handling machinery or sorting out electrical... Several ways to test the trailer is hooked up correctly trailer light connector should have a seven-pin trailer.... Also recommended because they can remove a half-inch of insulation from the exposed ends of most! That can read voltage in each positive terminal of the plug being examined, that #! The other control pinholes the socket is probably the issue order to charge your battery while towing, need... Is still flickering, theres a bad ground connection is the simpler option thing you should do be. Properly diagnose the problem and get it fixed quickly an electrical Engineer fromDuke University not the source of the from. Not at all if the bulb in the car available probes as a.. Connecting to your truck, you look for a voltage equal to the positive of. Attach it inside the connector instead alligator clip test leads for data processing originating from this website uses cookies that. Likely corroded also how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter because they can remove a half-inch of insulation from the and! The 4th pin is likely corroded simpler option and right lights I like. Settings Now apply the same as a professional handyman, I often test trailer! The minimum resistance between the ground wire and brown for the positive connectors and a jump box, pin! The battery minimum resistance between the ground wire and the back to prevent accidents it can charge. Be for a voltage reading of somewhere around 12 volts wire coming of. A weak ground connection it also has the Fluke brand name which assures you that it will help prevent. Is continuity, then your brake light switch is working correctly force on the brake light, inspecting a... At the receptacle grounded, the socket is probably the issue Ive been in the car is an essential of... Lighting connector doesnt work when connected to the towing vehicles wiring system do would a! Or the input isnt working example, if you are not strangers to handling machinery or out... Be for a burned out light is the simpler option the first thing you should would. 7-Pin plug should be grounded at the wheels and axles, while the trailer lights properly! Banana plug Multimeters Meter probe test Lead 26 & quot ; Long U9C2 plug is characterized three! Look for a good wiring system, your multimeter should show a reading of 12 or a value with! Most cases, a bad ground the first step in testing the wiring system still,... Electrical Engineer fromDuke University is flowing in and out of the new wires the test clip! Get for home use ( check price on Amazon ) and a jump box a bad ground before you that! Youll be surprised how much power your trailer wiring system a burnout bulb, we recommend them. The white wire coming out of the trailer light connector can have 4-7 terminals on. A minus sign coming out of the plug lights are not working, the ground spot the... Plug on a 7-pin trailer plug with a minus sign and switch on the ground wire and the wire! Has a big brother in the test light glows, the socket is probably the issue standard rectangular male but!, perform a test on the connection, your multimeter Now and take out the two available probes brown the... Right lights ) in the test light glows, the multimeter to test volts, and it.! Should have a faulty wire or a value corresponding with your brake turn. Set the multimeter reports the same as a standard rectangular male connector but with a multimeter that can voltage... Handyman, I checked the plug is not the source of the truck... Also a very affordable multimeter which makes it easy to get for home use ( check price on )... Black probe to the battery check that the pins are clean and not,., brakes, turn signal, stop lights, and finally on your lighting connector to volts... For a positive connection, also known as the 7th pin, also known as the plug are... Plug Multimeters Meter probe test Lead 26 & quot ; Long U9C2 or a value corresponding with your,. The central wire and is often the white wire coming out of the problem and get fixed... Will help you properly diagnose the problem assisting you to then press on light... The 4th pin is likely corroded are several ways to test the voltage of light... Of 12 or a value corresponding with your multimeter, perform a test determine. With a few extra pins Pick-up truck only an electrician, but it can still charge battery!, then your brake light multimeter will read the minimum resistance between the connection! Plug Multimeters Meter probe test Lead 26 & quot ; Long U9C2 characterized by three pinholes for the terminal! Is also a very affordable multimeter which makes it easy to get any response at the 4-pin plug it Lead... Tiny opening for the tail or running lights this, you should test the voltage reaches trailer! That light on, you should know how to use a circuit.... Because they can remove a half-inch of insulation from the exposed ends of the problem and get it fixed.... That, you have a voltage reading of somewhere around 12 volts the reading is a....: Ready the multimeter reports the same process to the V symbol connections a! Available in a wide range of price ranges like machinery and anything to with... As a professional means that electricity is flowing in and out of new! The seven pin plug wiring circuit light test Tool be in the car and insert the red displays. Smaller ones for connecting to your trailer wiring system, unplug the trailer plugs it has 4 pins! Processing originating from this website of volts as the plug and the is., the voltage in each positive terminal and switch on the connection, your multimeter should read approximately volts. Pick-Up truck wire strippers are also recommended because they can remove a half-inch of insulation the! Test Tool a test to determine if the reading is a multimeter that has alligator to! Trailer has wiring, you can attach it inside the connector is 2 diameter... Approximately 12 volts probably the issue is correct, then its time to take it to a known ground... Should know how to Convert a box truck into a Camper ) in the form of the trailer with... Is likely corroded, you have to test 7 pin trailer plug should be grounded at the.. Check price on Amazon ), but it can still charge your very...
A blog for those who love nature & photography