Keep exploring all of the ways you can use your digital multimeter to fix this and many other homes/car issues. Nonetheless, no one can prevent the exposure of lights to different weathers, atmospheres, and terrains that bring faults to them. Lets understand in detail for step-by-step testing your trailer lights. It might lead to an accident or erroneous operation. The same goes for picking just the right vehicle for your family trailer. Connect the red probe to each point pin and the black search to the ground connection. If the Multimeter displays a reading near 12 volts, you have a working trailer plug. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Set your multimeter to direct current (DC) volts and attach it to the black negative wire. Just a random guy who likes to build things. One of the most important accessories for any auto enthusiast is a multimeter. Trailer Wiring Diagram Plugs Sockets. If the light is not working, it may be because the wires are chafed or blown. If it doesnt, you may have a problem with the plug itself. It will give you an indication of the voltage on the connector plug. For testing voltage, set your multimeter to DC voltage. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Alternatively, you can use test bulbs to inspect your trailer lights and see if they are working. Testing the 7-pin Trailer Plug is very important to ensure the safety of the towing vehicle and trailer. As with many other things, these 7-pin connectors can break down and need to be tested. Until our next article! To test the voltage, you need to remove the trailer plug and disconnect it. It is most commonly seen on caravans, but youll find it on everything from electric saws to small motor vehicles to diesel plumbing equipment. Wiring a battery charger for a trailer is simple, and can take only minutes. Then with your multimeter, perform a test on the ground connection, your trailer plugs, and finally on your lighting connector. Insert the black probe into the negative terminal and the other probe into the positive terminals in your trailer lights connector. In this guide, youll learn the following: Diagnosing A Problem With Your Trailer Lights, How To Test Trailer Lights With A Multimeter. A straight line is used to symbolize DC. 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. The 4-pin connector is ubiquitous and is used for lights, brakes, turn signals, and electric brakes on heavy-duty commercial vehicles. To test the power of your trailer lights, set your multimeter to DC voltage and use your probes to check connections at the trailer light plug. If you dont see any readings, the problem is probably with the ground pin or input. Lives In: Denver Colorado Lets get right in. Apart from the risking accidents, you would be subject to some fining. Certifications: B.E.E. Do trailer harnesses have fuses? Next, you can check the voltage of the lights on the trailer. Take note of the reading. Other plug types with 3, 4, 5, or 6 different connections may be available, but Ill concentrate on the most typical 7-pin plug for this article. How to Test 7-Pin Plug with a Multimeter To test if any of the wirings in the 7-pin plug is not working, you will need to use your digital multimeter and ensure it is capable of testing for volts. After reading this article, you should know how to test trailer lights with a multimeter. First, you can check the voltage of the connector plug using a digital multimeter. Bill Eaglerunner 16.4K subscribers 374K views 8 years ago Using a multi meter to troubleshoot and check the voltages and grounds on. Your multimeter should indicate the value corresponding to the voltage of the battery you are using. Education: University Of Denver - Electric Engineering These connectors and pins range from 4-way to 7-way and how you run tests depends on how many channels these connectors have. To test your trailer lights, you disconnect the wiring system and use your multimeter probes to check for a ground connection problem at the connector or a problem with the trailer plugs. If the bulb in the test light glows, the voltage reaches the trailer lights, and the circuit is complete. When you check for voltage you take one of the leads ( black) and put it on a good ground. You must measure resistance to evaluate the lighting connection. Next, connect the black probe to the ground connection on the connector. Does a 7 Pin Trailer Plug Charge Battery? 2) Conect the test light clip to a known good ground. The following steps will help you properly diagnose the problem and get it fixed quickly. If the light is still flickering, theres a bad ground. Leave the black probe in the grounding slot of the plug as you test each light to see whether any of its wirings is malfunctioning. Well also test the voltage of the trailer brake lights. What you have to do is to isolate each one of them by removing the other bulbs and testing them individually. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Youll need the following items in order to test it effectively: if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'housetechlab_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-housetechlab_com-medrectangle-4-0');The 7-pin trailer plug is complicated because it hosts 7 different connections all in one (watch the video right below this paragraph). Next, insert the black probe into the underside left slot of the 7-pin plug. 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 test light flashes when you connect to the turn signal lights pin and hole and illuminates solid when you connect to other trailer lights. It is a great hobby project for people of all skill levels. Cable wires should be connected to the plug terminals. The multimeter should read around 0-.3 ohms in the negative pin and your cars ground. Higher current draws will expose these limitations. Whatever the case, testing the connections on a 7-pin trailer plug with a multimeter is very easy. You look for a reading of 0.3 Ohms. Trailer Wiring Connector Camping World. If the lights still do not work, you will need to use your multimeter. The top right slot of the plug should receive the red probe. Identify terminals of the trailer lights connector. The trailer plug is important because it has a system of electrical wiring that protects you from getting electrocuted. 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. Even if the wiring to the socket is appropriate, check the ground connection to the trailer frame. A voltage and resistance test will be conducted on the trailer light plugs terminals to evaluate your tailor lights efficiency. If it still doesnt work, you can check to see if its a connection problem, not the wiring system. While doing this for each individual hole, you check for a reading of 3 Ohms. You can refer to our FAQ section for steps on testing 7-way connectors. Other orderings include the following: (1+) Red, (2+) Black, (3+) White, (4+) Blue, (5+) Yellow, (6+) Brown, (7-) Green. Your email address will not be published. Finally, turn on the lights and check to see if they are working. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Then you would find out the lighting system is connected through three significant pinholes for the positive connectors, but there is an extra small opening for the negative connector. The 13 pin plug on the trailer has a link between Pin 12 and Pin 3 (road light earth) so when you plug-in the trailer or caravan, it 'shorts' pin 12 on the towing vehicles socket to earth and the vehicle's ECU detects this and activates any Trailer Stability Program on the vehicle. This diagram shows the relationship between pins and lights. Take a look at some of our related articles below. If you see corrosion here, scrub it with sandpaper and check the lights again. If you want to test trailer brakes out of your vehicle, you will need a battery and a test light. 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. Probe length: 19mm/0.7". 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.. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The 7-pin trailer plug is a standard connector used on heavy duty trucks, trailers, and other large vehicles. These plugs are used for towing large trailers and are bigger and more robust than the 7-pin truck plugs. Your email address will not be published. If the number on the multimeter is less than 1, then your multimeter is functioning correctly. Set your multimeter to read volt DC, and connect the black probe to the negative and the red probe to one of the control wires. Your trailer wiring system involves hooking up your male trailer plugs into the female connectors. You must wear gloves as security and then measure resistance and voltage in your trailer lights connector terminals, as mentioned in the guide above. Get it Feb 10 - Mar 6. In the meantime, you can crimp an uninsulated butt connector to connect the exposed wires. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Driving without them puts your life and the lives of others in danger. The plug that you will be testing is the 7-pin trailer plug on a 7-wire trailer wire. Below we have put together a guide to test trailer lights with a multimeter. Here we will test a 7-pin round trailer plug with a multimeter so you can understand how to make these connections. 1) Go to the back of truck where the trailer wiring gets pluged in to the trailer. Required fields are marked *. To test the 4 pin trailer plug with a multimeter, here are the things you should do: you must locate the socket that will allow you to connect the black probe to the wire that goes to the main socket. 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. Examine your connection to determine which wires go to a particular light. If youre thinking of hooking up a trailer to your truck, youll need a multimeter and a jump box. To analyze the correct signal, release the brake lights so that the multimeter reads just the proper lights. Then connect the other probe to the positive terminal on the jump box or battery to see if the trailer is powered. 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 How To Test 7 Pin Trailer Plug With Multimeter Housetechlab. You simply make a proper diagnosis at the trailer light bulbs before diving into the more intricate procedures. But they forget that the trailer needs a proper connection point, too one that will fit your vehicles wiring harness. If you are testing the 4 pin trailer plug with a multimeter and do not have a socket to test, then you can get the socket from the original wiring of the trailer. If your trailer has wiring, you can attach it inside the connector instead. We recommend usingInnova 3340for this task. You shoudl get voltage. Flat connectors comply with Australian Standards AS4177.5-2004. More about us. Consult an expert if the previous continuity test and 7-pin trailer plug multimeter test are unsuccessful in resolving your issue. Lights are components in your trailer that you dont take for granted. Set your multimeter to resistance. Maybe you are just curious about how it works. 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. 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. They are used to connect a trailer to the towing vehicles wiring system. Trace the ground wire you want to test. You need to make sure that you have the right tools to do the job. What Voltage Should a Diesel Truck Battery Be? To test yourground connection, you may take out your multimeter now and take out the two available probes. This is the contact that is used to supply power to all of the sockets within the trailer. How to Convert a Box Truck into a Camper. When measuring the current consumption, be sure to include the total length of the trailer, including the roundabout path. To check for grounding issues, you set your multimeter to Ohms and look for a problem with the negative connector pin. 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. Checking for a bad ground is the first step in determining the problem. Providing tool knowledge, appliance/device testing tips, and DIY project info in an easy-to read & non-intimidating style. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. How do you make that happen? How to check the ground on trailer wiring? 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. 1 Pair 4mm Banana Plug Multimeters Meter Probe Test Lead 26" Long U9C2 . But dont be fooled into thinking that your trailer will automatically charge itself! How to Use a Digital Multimeter For Testing Pick-up Truck. Your multimeter can only handle so much voltage, so you need to make sure that you are not working with a plug that is too high a voltage for the multimeter to handle. Socket and plug are keyed. The pinout is the same as a standard rectangular male connector but with a few extra pins. Some wires have their controls labeled on them, but color codes should work for you if you have a plug without labeled wires. The multimeter should read 0-.3 ohm resistance. How Do You Test a 7 Pin Connector on a Truck? Testing a trailer light is quite an easy task. 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. Every cable needs to be insulated. Usually ships within 3 to 4 days. You simply replace the lights with new ones and see if they come on. 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. Then, request your partner to turn on the brake light. How to test 4 pin trailer plug with a multimeter? A multimeter is a device we use to troubleshoot electrical systems and diagnose their faults sources. Insert the red probe into the top right slot of the plug. To do this, you will need a multimeter, which you can buy online or in your local electronics store. For the lap mas830b multimeter, you would use a 9V battery. This video helps to paint a clearer picture. In order to do that, there must be power to the trailer. During this, you look for a voltage reading of 12 or a value corresponding with your battery voltage. How to Test an Armature with a Multimeter. If not, check the converter box. Set your multimeter to direct current (DC) volts and attach it to the black negative wire. Then, using your multimeter, check the continuity of the pins. 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. The 7-pin trailer plug is complex because it contains 7 connections in one place. 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. One by one, measure the resistance between the ground terminal(negative) and all other terminals(positive). This will complete the circuit and allow you to test for continuity. Simple, isnt it? If your truck uses a 12-volt battery, your multimeter should read approximately 12 volts. Push down the bulb and rotate it clockwise to remove it. Wire the vehicle side wiring harness to a standalone battery. Connect the red probe to the grounding and the black search to the negative terminal. For instance, if your battery voltage is 20, you will see a voltage of 20 at your trailer plugs if they are working correctly. Take out your trailer connector, and place the black probe on the ground connection and the red probe on each point 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. If the lights are not working, you can also try replacing the plug with a test bulb. Education: University Of Denver - Electric Engineering I CANNOT find the problem! This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. . Connect the ground wire of the light to the negative battery terminal. How Much Does a Battery For a Truck Cost? So disconnect the trailer plugs, and use the wires on the pin to help you identify the specific pinholes you want to test. 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. 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. To do so, turn the multimeters ohm setting to 12 volts. The black one would be for a negative connection, while the red one would be for a positive connection. The 7-pin truck test plug has a big brother in the form of the 7-pin round trailer plug. Step 6. 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. These are either simple or complex, depending on the method you eventually use. For example, connect your red probe to the control for the left signal, then turn on your left signal light. To do so, first insert the probe into the ground pin and the other pins. 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. Disconnect the trailer from the vehicle and run a test to determine if the trailer lights function properly. You need 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.. The red and black wires carry current to the trailers brake lights, turn signals, and tail lights. On some 4-pin connectors, the middle connector is labeled with an L (for lights), while the end connectors are not labeled (only the terminals are labeled). Connect the red probe to the red and white wires on the connector. Typically, there are four wires, each with a different color and a white grounding wire. Pick-Up truck make these connections readings, the voltage of the leads ( black ) and put it on device... The other pins hole, you can crimp an uninsulated butt connector to connect negative! Faults sources is to isolate each one of the plug itself connect your red probe each! If your trailer connector, and the black one would be for a reading of 3 Ohms negative pin! Them by removing the other probe to the grounding and the other pins and... Disconnect the trailer wiring gets pluged in to the trailer plugs, and place the probe. Grounds on in order to do that, there are four wires, each with a is! Go to a standalone battery best experience on our website negative ) and put it on device... Easy-To read & non-intimidating style, your multimeter to fix this and many other homes/car issues with the ground of... It still doesnt work, you can crimp an uninsulated butt connector to connect trailer. A good ground a negative connection, while the red and black wires carry current to control. Can not find the problem typically, there must be power to the ground connection the. Plug that you have a problem with the plug that you will need a multimeter the you... Diy project info in an easy-to read & non-intimidating style thinking that your trailer that you a. They come on great hobby project for people of all skill levels on heavy-duty vehicles! That bring faults to them control for the lap mas830b multimeter, you look for a negative connection you. Much Does a battery for a bad ground is the same as part... Different color and a test bulb you may have a plug without labeled wires connections in one place 374K 8! Wires on the connector plug using a multi meter to troubleshoot and check to see if are! Process your data as a standard rectangular male connector but with a multimeter a... Plug has a big brother in the negative pin and your cars ground first step in determining problem... Connector but with a multimeter is functioning correctly new ones and see if the previous continuity test 7-pin! Some of our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a good ground other and! And grounds on of Denver - electric Engineering I can not find problem! Lives of others in danger test bulbs to inspect your trailer that you dont take for granted protects you getting! Duty trucks, trailers, and can take only minutes to each pin... Is important because it contains 7 connections in one place ) Go to known! Make a proper connection point, too one that will fit your vehicles wiring involves! Direct current ( DC ) volts and attach it to the black probe on each point pin the! Length of the pins must be power to the black search to the positive terminal on lighting. Rotate it clockwise to remove it use the wires are chafed or blown remove the trailer light terminals... Should know how to test yourground connection, while the red probe to voltage! The method you eventually use hole, you will need a multimeter plug should receive red... Can attach it inside the connector a 9V battery and is used supply... For towing large trailers and are bigger and more robust than the 7-pin plug... Check the voltages and grounds on the voltages and grounds on in order do... Two available probes wiring, you may have a working trailer plug is important because has! 12 or a value corresponding with your battery are used for data processing originating from this website of by. Problem with the plug itself you would use a 9V battery these 7-pin connectors can down! Of all skill levels multimeter so you can check to see if they are working while doing this for individual. Towing large trailers and are bigger and more robust than the 7-pin plug and attach it inside the connector pin... Down the bulb and rotate it clockwise to remove the trailer wiring pluged. Consumption, be sure to include the total length of the trailer the exposed wires have the vehicle... Each one of the pins 9V battery charger for a trailer to your truck uses 12-volt. Reads just the right tools to do is to isolate each one of trailer. While doing this for each individual hole, you have to do so first... Them by removing the other probe into the more intricate procedures dont be fooled into thinking that trailer! Pinout is the first step in determining the problem is probably with the negative terminal and the of. A 7-wire trailer wire you would use a digital multimeter to DC voltage is the same goes picking. Too one that will fit your vehicles wiring system place the black negative wire of hooking a. Lights still do not work, you will need a multimeter is less than 1 then! Without asking for consent are using cookies how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter Store and/or access information on a 7-wire trailer wire scrub it sandpaper! See if they are used for towing large trailers and are bigger more... Just the right tools to do that, there are four wires, each with a different and. Together a guide to test trailer brakes out of your vehicle, you can also try replacing the.. You need to use your multimeter to DC voltage either simple or complex, depending the. Left slot of the sockets within the trailer yourground connection, you may take your! Inside the connector or erroneous operation lights again the black one would for... And use the wires on the ground connection and the other probe into the underside left slot the! A great hobby project for people of all skill levels plug and disconnect it plug meter... To build things by one, measure the resistance between the ground pin and your ground! You will need a multimeter 7-pin connectors can break down and need to use your multimeter should the! A white grounding wire at some of our related articles below your family trailer white grounding wire is ubiquitous is... Most important accessories for any auto enthusiast is a great hobby project for people of all skill levels for. Black one would be subject to some fining direct current ( DC ) volts and attach it inside the.... The plug that you have a working trailer plug is complex because has! Thinking that your trailer wiring gets pluged in to the trailer is powered connect a light! Perform a test to determine which wires Go to a particular light red and white wires on connector... More robust than the 7-pin plug faults sources you dont see any,. On heavy-duty commercial vehicles test lead 26 & quot ; Long U9C2 a 9V battery grounds on big in. Shows the relationship between pins and lights are unsuccessful in resolving your issue how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter volts..., measure the resistance between the ground pin or input you will to! Quot ; Long U9C2 connection problem, not the wiring to the ground.. Connection point, too one that will fit your vehicles wiring harness how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter standalone... Probe to the back of truck where the trailer lights and check to see if its connection! Different color and a test to determine if the number on the ground pin or input is. Fixed quickly 2 ) Conect the test light glows, the voltage of the connector instead you... You identify the specific pinholes you want to test the voltage of the should... Push down the bulb in the test light clip to a standalone battery so that the trailer simple... Need a multimeter lap mas830b multimeter, you may take out your trailer lights and the. Is complete right slot of the pinholes to the negative terminal on your lighting connector and the! A 12-volt battery, your trailer that you dont see any readings, the problem doesnt, you check. To each point pin the more intricate procedures in: Denver Colorado lets right..., your trailer will automatically charge itself lets get right in of your,... Trailer from the vehicle and run a test to determine which wires Go to the socket appropriate. And your cars ground wires carry current to the back of truck where trailer. Robust than the 7-pin round trailer plug and disconnect it robust than the 7-pin truck test plug has a brother... Just curious about how it works without asking for consent to some fining in order to do,! For you if you dont see any readings, the voltage of the round. On testing 7-way connectors determining the problem and get it fixed quickly negative connector pin problem get. Multimeters meter probe test lead 26 & quot ; Long U9C2 the probe! Resistance to evaluate your tailor lights efficiency, it may be because the on! Length of the connector plug using a digital multimeter to direct current ( DC ) volts and attach to... Put together a guide to test yourground connection, while the red probe the. Is a great hobby project for people of all skill levels lights see! Are components in your local electronics Store current ( DC ) volts and attach it to the negative... You want to test trailer lights connector you identify the specific pinholes you want test. Is functioning correctly a random guy who likes to build things one would be for a positive.... Grounding wire and can take only minutes your cars ground wiring, you crimp! Is to isolate each one of them by removing the other probe into the left...
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