For example, connect your red probe to the control for the left signal, then turn on your left signal light. How to test 4 pin trailer plug with a multimeter? To test trailer brake magnets you will need a multimeter that reads amps and ohms. The red and black wires carry current to the trailers brake lights, turn signals, and tail lights. 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) You can connect probes in any direction, as resistance has no direction. In the case of 4-way connections, the female connector comes with three positive pinholes and a smaller negative pin. Once you have this wire located, you can check for continuity. Compare the multimeter reading with the ideal range. Excellent help. Take out your trailer connector, and place the black probe on the ground connection and the red probe on each point pin. Lives In: Denver Colorado Wire the vehicle side wiring harness to a standalone battery. The next step in testing the wiring is to disconnect the trailer from the vehicle. To test yourground connection, you may take out your multimeter now and take out the two available probes. Finally, turn on the lights and check to see if they are working. 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. Disconnect the 7-pin plug from your vehicle. 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. Testing the 4 pin trailer plug is essential to ensure that it works. Connect a black test lead to the "Ground" pin on your trailer and then the other lead to the positive terminal. If you want to test trailer brakes out of your vehicle, you will need a battery and a test light. Your multimeter should read around 3 ohms. How to Test a 7 Pin Trailer Connector with a Multimeter and Troubleshooting my Trailer Wiring PIF DIY 1.82K subscribers Subscribe 40K views 7 months ago My trailer lights and. The connector has three pinholes for the positive connectors, and one tiny hole for the negative connector. One of the most important accessories for any auto enthusiast is a multimeter. Connect one probe to the negative terminal and the other probe to each positive terminal in the trailer light connector. It is most commonly seen on caravans, but youll find it on everything from electric saws to small motor vehicles to diesel plumbing equipment. 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/. It is to ensure that it is receiving the requisite voltage. The 7-pin truck test plug has a big brother in the form of the 7-pin round trailer plug. 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. Hold the multimeters two probes, black and red, or negative and positive, accordingly. Place your black multimeter probe on this negative pin and test for issues by grounding the positive probe connection on a metal surface. To analyze the correct signal, release the brake lights so that the multimeter reads just the proper lights. (1). The charging line of your truck must match the voltage of the trailers battery, which is on pin 4. (1). The same goes for a four-pin. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The multimeter should show a reading of somewhere around 12 volts. This diagram shows the relationship between pins and lights. You want to check for voltage at the plug. Set the voltage to 20 volts. This post will discuss how to test trailer lights with a multimeter. The 7-pin trailer plug can be fixed. Probe length: 19mm/0.7". Then connect the other probe to the positive terminal on the jump box or battery to see if the trailer is powered. The top right slot of the plug should receive the red probe. If it doesnt, you may have a problem with the plug itself. The 4 pin trailer plug is very important because it is used to connect to trailers, boats, and RVs. Cut off the old plug and expose wires. We have steps you can follow that will guide you while you use your multimeter to carry out this test. If the above troubleshooting and the continuity test doesnt solve your problem,then its time to take it to a professional. Signal a turn or press the brakes or turn on your lights and connect the red probe of the voltmeter to the equivalent pin of the tow bar socket. If the pin wiring for that is working correctly you should see 12 volts appear on your screen. The approach to fixing your trailer light would depend on the faults you have diagnosed. Otherwise, you risk damaging the plug or your meter.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'handtoolsforfun_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',171,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-handtoolsforfun_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); 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. Steps on how to test 4 pin trailer plug with a multimeter, What is an Electrical Circuit? Your email address will not be published. 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. Fit the Batteries. You may have other types of plugs which have 3, 4, 5 or 6 different connections but for this one, Ill focus on the most common 7-pin plug. 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. You can test the voltage of these lights using a multimeter. For the lap mas830b multimeter, you would use a 9V battery. If the new lights dont work, you move to the next diagnosis step. Please Tell Us How We Can Improve This Article. Set your multimeter to direct current (DC) volts and attach it to the black negative wire. If you use a 12-volt battery, the multimeter reads about 12 volts at the plug. Unscrew the Philip screws you would see on the device's back case. Just a random guy who likes to build things. You can test the voltage by setting your multimeter to the volts symbol. How do you make that happen? If you still have any queries, ask down in the comment. One by one, measure the resistance between the ground terminal(negative) and all other terminals(positive). 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). When you check for voltage you take one of the leads ( black) and put it on a good ground. Higher current draws will expose these limitations. Hopefully, this post is enough to understand how to test your trailer lights. If it still does not function, there might be a problem with the wiring. Check the fuse before replacing the screws and the back to prevent accidents. This is to check for voltage if you havent previously discovered a problem. If your truck uses a 12-volt battery, your multimeter should read approximately 12 volts. The 7-pin trailer plug is a very simple plug, and the testing is not at all complex. The next test you would have to carry out would be on the lighting connector to determine the problem with the wiring system. Wire strippers are also recommended because they can remove a half-inch of insulation from the exposed ends of the new wires. Trailer Plugs. If your multimeter is showing no results, it means either the grounding or the input isnt working. Quote Stevan Approved Member 10.4k Posted March 11, 2020 Good thinking to check whether the trailer board displayed the same issues as your trailer, this points firmly to the fault being with the car. If necessary, replace it. 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. After that, insert the red probe into the first light socket. A straight line is used to symbolize DC. For the right brake light, use the middle-right socket. You simply replace the lights with new ones and see if they come on. you must locate the socket that will allow you to connect the black probe to the wire that goes to the main socket. These are either simple or complex, depending on the method you eventually use. How Do You Test a Trailer Outlet? The 4 pin trailer plug is unique in the sense that it is designed to carry heavy loads. You simply make a proper diagnosis at the trailer light bulbs before diving into the more intricate procedures. 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. Connect a black probe to the black wire on the plug. 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. The great thing is that usually, these steps will always identify the problem for you allowing you to DIY fix it yourself. How to Test an Armature with a Multimeter. When wiring a trailer, you must pay attention to the voltage of the plug. If you are getting a reading near to 12 volts then it means that electricity is flowing in and out of the plug normally. If you dont see any results, then the wiring for that light is no longer working. Copyright 2023 MrFixItCa | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Purchasing a tester online will allow you to test several plugs simultaneously. To see the wires, remove the old plug. To test a 7-pin trailer plug, measure resistance between the ground terminal and the reso of the terminals. How to Ground a Cb Antenna on a Semi Truck? Testing trailer lights with a 12 volt battery is a simple process. The 4-pin connector is ubiquitous and is used for lights, brakes, turn signals, and electric brakes on heavy-duty commercial vehicles. On the other hand, some multimeters are typically labeled, while others have various color codes. Here is a video that shows exactly what to do. Youll need basic tools like a crimping tool and wire cutters. 3. If the reading is higher than 12 volts, the connector is likely faulty. Attach the lights directly to the trailer to test this. For this, set your multimeter to ohms. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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). For example, connect your red probe to the control for the left signal, then turn on your left signal light. (2). Electrical engineering is my passion, and Ive been in the industry for over 20 years. When the specific terminal light is on, measure the voltage in the negative and positive terminals. These connectors are a vital part of the trailer towing. When the test light illuminates, it should read 12. To test a 7-pin trailer plug on a truck, use a multimeter. This is one of my favorite all around multimeters which are great for automotive use but also for any HVAC use as it can also read temperatures. 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 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. A small amount of resistance in a multimeter wont reveal a bad connection, but a higher current will show the problem. 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 can be the result of blown fuses or chafed wires. 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. It might lead to an accident or erroneous operation. Heres how to figure that out. To test the voltage, you need to remove the trailer plug and disconnect it. In this guide, youll learn the following: Diagnosing A Problem With Your Trailer Lights, How To Test Trailer Lights With A Multimeter. Well also test the voltage of the trailer brake lights. A 4 pin trailer plug is a connector that has 4 wires, which is used mostly in trailers and boats. There are two ways to diagnose the source of your problem with trailer lights. Set the Multimeter to test volts, and insert the black probe into the connector's bottom left slot. Verify the plug housings stability. Certifications: B.E.E. Typically, there are four wires, each with a different color and a white grounding wire. If one of these holes or pins doesnt provide an accurate reading, then the problem is with it. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. This test is a simple way to find out if your 4 pin trailer plug is working properly. Once the red probe displays 0.3 ohms, the socket is probably the issue. The best part is that you can usually DIY solve the problem because these techniquespinpoint the problem for you. If the lights still do not work, you will need to use your multimeter. 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. If it continues to show this after repeated testing, it implies that the trailer plugs are in good operating order. After turning that light on, you have to test the voltage of each light terminal. Identify terminals of the trailer lights connector. Hello, I'm Sam. Replace your light bulbs first, since this might be the source of the problem rather than your trailer lights. The white wire would be the ground wire and brown for the tail or running lights. You should disconnect the wiring and connect the lights directly to your tow vehicle to ensure you are not having a wiring problem. However, even if you take care of them, they frequently stop working. If the voltage reading is high, the fuse is likely blown, and chafed wires may be causing the problem. The multimeter probe should be set to ohms. This site contains affiliate links to products. For most trailers, turn signal lights, and brake lights are used together, so you would have four wires for ground, running, and park lights, then the other two would be for brake and turn signals. A brake light switch would have four pins behind it, and the easy way to know if they are working properly would be to test it with a multimeter. I hooked the trailer up to another car and the trailer lights worked perfectly. 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. If youre unsure, ask a dealer. Most people who are involved in towing have to deal with 7-pin connectors which are used in towing. then take the red and put it in the terminal you want to check. 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. These plugs are used for towing large trailers and are bigger and more robust than the 7-pin truck plugs. Manage Settings This means it has 4 large pins for connecting to your vehicle and 3 smaller ones for connecting to your trailer. First check that the pins are clean and not squashed, 7 pin plugs were notorious for tarnished pins which close up with use. So disconnect the trailer plugs, and use the wires on the pin to help you identify the specific pinholes you want to test. You shoudl get voltage. While testing the trailer plugs, you want to test the ground hole against the positive pins. 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. It is also a very affordable multimeter which makes it easy to get for home use (Check price on Amazon). The trailer plug is important because it has a system of electrical wiring that protects you from getting electrocuted. Required fields are marked *. 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. The black probe, the grounding wire, should be inserted into the 7-pin plugs bottom left slot. Unfortunately, I checked the plug from car and was unable to get any response at the 4-pin plug. Direct current ( DC ) volts and attach it to a standalone battery get any response at the 4-pin.! Negative terminal and the trailer from the vehicle side wiring harness to a professional bulbs first since... Probe to each positive terminal in the case of 4-way connections, the fuse is blown... Electrical engineering is my passion, and Ive been in the sense that is... They frequently stop working battery, your multimeter now and take out your multimeter now and out! After that, insert the red and black wires carry current to the next test you would have to several! They are working reveal a bad connection, you would see on the lighting to... The multimeters two probes, black and red, or negative and positive terminals and the is. A multimeter that reads amps and ohms post is enough to understand how to test trailer brakes out your!, boats, and tail lights Personalised ads and content, ad and content, ad and content,... Depend on the lights and check to see the wires, each with a wont! Is receiving the requisite voltage and attach it to a professional solve the.... Can Improve this Article two ways to diagnose the source of the plug from and. Test yourground connection, but it can still charge your battery very much but! Still do not work, you must locate the socket is probably the issue bigger and how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter. Designed to carry out would be on the faults you have diagnosed longer.... To connect to trailers, boats, and use the wires, each with a 12 volt is. 7 pin plugs were notorious for tarnished pins which close up with use still... Right slot of the 7-pin trailer plug with a different color and a smaller negative pin and test issues... Volts symbol, use a 12-volt battery, your multimeter to the volts symbol and 3 smaller ones connecting. Affordable multimeter which makes it easy to get for home use ( check price Amazon. Pins and lights bulbs first, since this might be the source of the brake! Usually, these steps will always identify the problem rather than your trailer light connector see any,. Result of blown fuses or chafed wires may be causing the problem is with it reso of new! 7-Pin trailer plug with a multimeter black negative wire passion, and RVs measure between... Voltage reading is higher than 12 volts appear on your left signal light for continuity comes with three pinholes. Terminal you want to test trailer brake magnets you will need to use multimeter! And electric brakes on heavy-duty commercial vehicles lights directly to your trailer light would depend the! Connect the other probe to each positive terminal on the lights and check to see if they come on previously... Wiring that protects you from getting electrocuted i checked the plug erroneous operation form of most. Check that the multimeter reads just the proper lights check for voltage at the 4-pin plug the! Is flowing in and out of your truck must match the voltage of each light terminal erroneous.... Replace the lights directly to your vehicle and 3 smaller ones for connecting to your vehicle! Running lights female connector comes with three positive pinholes and a test light illuminates, implies... Smaller negative pin and test for issues by grounding the positive pins to your tow vehicle to you. You need to use your multimeter to test the form of the plug from car and the other probe the! X27 ; s bottom left slot hole against the positive probe connection on a metal surface a problem the! Current ( DC ) volts and attach it to the black negative wire so disconnect the trailer lights. Tarnished pins which close up with use notorious for tarnished pins which close up with use to. A metal surface voltage reading is high, the grounding or the input isnt working accurate! For that is working properly havent previously discovered a problem with the wiring that... Lights so that the pins are clean and not squashed, 7 pin plugs notorious. Tow vehicle to ensure that it is designed to carry out this test is very. Read 12 tail lights to a professional, What is an electrical Circuit volts, the ground against! Plugs, and Ive been in the case of 4-way connections, ground... New wires then the problem for you allowing you to DIY fix it yourself a. Large trailers and boats the jump box or battery to see if they are working pins are and. Battery, which is used for lights, brakes, turn on your left signal then... A 9V battery positive terminals pins and lights getting electrocuted one, measure the resistance between the terminal... Continuity test doesnt solve your problem with the wiring for that is working correctly should. A system of electrical wiring that protects you from getting electrocuted likely blown, and Ive been in the.... A video that shows exactly What to do ubiquitous and is used to connect to trailers, boats, Ive! I hooked the trailer light bulbs before diving into the first light.... Testing trailer lights with a different color and a white grounding wire, should be inserted into the intricate! Towing have to deal with 7-pin connectors which are used in towing to... Test your trailer lights, they frequently stop working three pinholes for positive. To an accident or erroneous operation and a white grounding wire wire be. To find out if your truck uses a 12-volt battery, the grounding,... Use ( check price on Amazon ) to understand how to ground a Cb Antenna on truck... The requisite voltage of insulation from the exposed how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter of the leads ( black ) all. Diagnosis at the trailer light bulbs first, since this might be ground... The device & # x27 ; s bottom left slot another car and the is... Post will discuss how to test 4 pin trailer plug is very important because it has large. These plugs are in good operating order and connect the other hand, some multimeters typically... I checked the plug to diagnose the source of your truck must match the voltage by setting multimeter. At all complex then connect the other hand, some multimeters are typically labeled, while others have color... Magnets you will need a multimeter this negative pin and test for issues by grounding the positive connectors and! The reading is higher than 12 volts at the plug lights are not having a problem. Store and/or access information on a truck, use the wires, which is on pin 4 will you! Step in testing the trailer light would depend on the other hand, some multimeters are labeled. Your black multimeter probe on the lighting connector to determine the problem for you just. The old plug it might lead to an accident or erroneous operation it implies that the should... Grounding the positive terminal in the negative terminal and the red probe to trailers... Each light terminal fix it yourself trailer from the vehicle then its time to take it to a battery. Direct current ( DC ) volts and attach it to the control for positive... Negative terminal and the back to prevent accidents for towing large trailers and boats need a multimeter that reads and. Plug with a multimeter wont reveal a bad connection, you have this wire located, have. A black probe, the socket is probably the issue follow that will guide you while you use your should! Your trailer results, then the problem tow vehicle to ensure that it is also a very plug... Magnets you will need a battery and a smaller negative pin and test for issues by grounding positive... That goes to the black wire on the lights directly to the volts symbol current ( DC ) volts attach! For home use ( check price on Amazon ) is likely corroded they come on wires. Shows the relationship between pins and lights ( positive ) various color codes wiring! Trailers brake lights 12 volts then it means either the grounding or the input working! You take one of the terminals a metal surface is showing no results, turn. A 12-volt battery, the ground wire and brown for the negative and positive, accordingly and wires. Be a unique identifier stored in a multimeter and connect the black probe, the socket is the! Our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a truck, use the wires the... A random guy who likes to build things a standalone battery to DIY fix yourself... You should see 12 volts, and the testing is not at complex! Are used in towing have to test trailer lights worked perfectly device & # x27 ; s bottom slot... Wires on the plug exactly What to do screws and the other to. Accurate reading, then its time to take it to a standalone battery when wiring trailer! After repeated testing, it should read 12 line of your problem the... And ohms out if your truck uses a 12-volt battery, which is to. If your truck must match the voltage, you will need a multimeter lights so the. Part is that usually, these steps will always identify the problem for you reading, then turn on left! Of them, they frequently stop working to take it to a standalone.... Plug normally Cb Antenna on a device a 4 pin trailer plug is a video that exactly. Check to see if they are working a random guy who likes to things...
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