Other learning guides on multimeter are below. The voltmeter should read around 12 volts, maybe more, depending on your car battery. This will complete the circuit and allow you to test for continuity. If the new lights dont work, you move to the next diagnosis step. Next, you can check the voltage of the lights on the trailer. Until our next article! This video helps to paint a clearer picture. and Sockets. Fit the Batteries. 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. 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. The multimeter dial should be turned to the V symbol. For example, if you have a seven-pin plug, youll need a seven-pin trailer plug. 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. Once you confirm that these are working, you move to your trailer plugs. Hello, I'm Sam. If the light still doesn't work, check the mounting bolts for the light to make sure they're making a clean contact with the trailer frame. Connect the red probe to the grounding and the black search to the negative terminal. 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. When tying a trailer to your truck, you should know how to test the seven pin plug wiring. Required fields are marked *. Most people who are involved in towing have to deal with 7-pin connectors which are used in towing. Insert the red probe into the top right slot of the plug. If the multimeter reports the same amount of volts as the plug being examined, that plug is not the source of the problem. Youll need basic tools like a crimping tool and wire cutters. 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. Your multimeter should read around 3 ohms in the trailer light connectors negative and all positive terminals. If this is correct, the faults are not with your trailer plugs. Youll also need a battery and alligator clip test leads. But none of the other wires worked. The plug itself cant charge your battery very much, but it can still charge your trailers battery. But one extra thing you should note is that for wires with more than one control, like the ones sourcing the turning and brake lights, these wires have a series connection, so the multimeter is reading the least resistance. To test 4 pin trailer plug, measure resistance between the ground terminal and a ground point in your vehicle. Afterwards, check the lights that are not working. To test your trailer lights, you would need a multimeter. Why Should You Test a 7-pin Trailer Plug? To test a 7-pin trailer plug, measure resistance between the ground terminal and the reso of the terminals. There are a lot of different types of 4 pin connectors so what do you do when you need to test one? Put a dab of dielectric grease (from a hardware store) on the contacts and insert the bulb. 7 Way Plug Inline Trailer Cord Gang Junction Box 6 Feet Connector Cable Wiring Harness For Rv Truck Camper Online At Best S In Srilanka Daraz Lk. While doing this for each individual hole, you check for a reading of 3 Ohms. To do this, you will need a multimeter, which you can buy online or in your local electronics store. Set the volts symbol on the meter and insert the black probe into the underside left slot of the 7-pin plug. 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. What you have to do is to isolate each one of them by removing the other bulbs and testing them individually. You can test a seven-pin trailer connector to see if its faulty using a multimeter. If the pin wiring for that is working correctly you should see 12 volts appear on your screen. Please Tell Us How We Can Improve This Article. Push down the bulb and rotate it clockwise to remove it. 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. 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. Then connect the other probe to the positive terminal on the jump box or battery to see if the trailer is powered. The 7-pin truck test plug has a big brother in the form of the 7-pin round trailer plug. If youre able to do this safely, then you can plug in a working trailer light bulb. 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. Lights may function infrequently or not at all if the ground is poor. Having your trailer lights working well is crucial. There are many reasons why you would want to test the connection on a 7-pin trailer plug with a multimeter. Keep reading! If the trailer lights function with such a setup, it is clear the issue is . The lights attached to the pinhole should turn on, then repeat the same process with the other control pinholes. Even if the wiring to the socket is appropriate, check the ground connection to the trailer frame. 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. As with many other things, these 7-pin connectors can break down and need to be tested. Before you do that, you should test the gauge with a multimeter to see if its providing faulty readings. Set your multimeter to resistance. This means it has 4 large pins for connecting to your vehicle and 3 smaller ones for connecting to your trailer. A Multimeter, or multimeter, is an instrument that measures multiple electrical quantities such as voltage, current, and resistance in electronic devices. Maybe you are just curious about how it works. You simply make a proper diagnosis at the trailer light bulbs before diving into the more intricate procedures. Testing a trailer light is quite an easy task. Education: University Of Denver - Electric Engineering As you may know, electrical appliances use a range of plugs depending on their country of manufacture and the intended market. A straight line is used to symbolize DC. What is the Song in the Ram Truck Commercial? If the Multimeter displays a reading near 12 volts, you have a working trailer plug. Next, insert your black lead into the COM port and your red into the voltage port. We would conclude this article with life-extending advice that immediately you find fault with your trailer lights, you should fix it quickly. Your trucks 7-pin plug should be grounded at the wheels and axles, while the trailer plug should be grounded at the receptacle. 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. Connect the ground of the voltmeter to pin 3. Furthermore, ensure that you understand your connector and all of the wires to prevent confusion. Next, attach your new wires to the battery terminals with large alligator clips. Any suggestions? To avoid problems, you should separate these wires by removing bulbs and checking each one separately. To diagnose trailer lights, you check for burned out bulbs or bypass the tow wiring system and connect the trailer lights directly to the tow vehicle. When the test light illuminates, it should read 12. Bypassing the tow wiring system/trailer connector plugs. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. There are two ways to diagnose the source of your problem with trailer lights. . Then with your multimeter, perform a test on the ground connection, your trailer plugs, and finally on your lighting connector. How to check the ground on trailer wiring? To test your trailer plugs, turn your multimeter to volt DC settings, then connect the black probe to the negative terminal and your other multimeter probe to one of the positive pins, and turn on the light that is controlled by that pin. Manage Settings Most trailer light breakdowns are caused by a weak ground connection. To check volts you put the meter on Volts DC or AC Youll be using DC for your car. trailer light is entirely damaged before you perform tests, you should hire a mechanic to diagnose these faults for you. This gives me a unique ability to give you expert home improvement and DIY recommendations. 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) How to Ground a Cb Antenna on a Semi Truck? A multimeter is a device we use to troubleshoot electrical systems and diagnose their faults sources. 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. 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.. Check your vehicle's plug configuration. Now well test the resistance between the positive and negative terminals of the trailer light connector. To test the wiring system, unplug the trailer plug. If your trailer has wiring, you can attach it inside the connector instead. After evaluating for grounding and determining that it is not the issue, you should proceed to test your trailer plug. 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. The 4th pin is used in conjunction with the 7th pin, also known as the 7th position. These connectors are a vital part of the trailer towing. Then, using your multimeter, check the continuity of the pins. Before you tie your trailer to the truck, check the wiring. If not, check the converter box. Part 1. However, even if you take care of them, they frequently stop working. A faulty ground connection causes many trailer wiring issues. 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. 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. To do this, you need the following tools. Test each light to know the ones that are not working right, then be sure you do not have a burnout bulb. Do the same to the other set of pins, and then press the switch. One of the easiest methods involves using a multimeter. How to Test Trailer Lights with a Multimeter, How to test Christmas lights with a multimeter, How to use a Cen-Tech digital multimeter to check voltage. This is the contact that is used to supply power to all of the sockets within the trailer. It should be gleaming and clean, clear of paint and corrosion, and well-secured. Connector type: banana plug, test pin. Trace the ground wire you want to test. How to Check Truck Trailer Plug with Multimeter? Bill Eaglerunner 16.4K subscribers 374K views 8 years ago Using a multi meter to troubleshoot and check the voltages and grounds on. If your multimeter is showing no results, it means either the grounding or the input isnt working. It is still a simple process, but in this case, you would have to power your trailer and light them with a vehicle battery. The following configuration will be used for a standard 7-pin plug: Use your digital multimeter (and make sure it can test for volts) to see if any of the wirings in the 7-pin plug is malfunctioning. If the value is 3 ohms, your wiring system is working well. The plug is characterized by three pinholes for the positive connectors and a tiny opening for the negative connector. As a result, your multimeter will indicate a reading of roughly 12 volts. To test the ground pin, insert the black probe into the negative hole and the red probe into the positive pins. If one of these holes or pins doesnt provide an accurate reading, then the problem is with it. $11.34. Trailer wiring combines the left turn/brake and right turn/brake signal for proper operation of the trailer lights. 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. To test a 7-pin trailer plug on a truck, use a multimeter. If the number on the multimeter is less than 1, then your multimeter is functioning correctly. The 7-pin trailer plug is a very simple plug, and the testing is not at all complex. (. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. For instance, if your battery voltage is 20, you will see a voltage of 20 at your trailer plugs if they are working correctly. Connect the multimeter leads to the multimeter. If you are getting a reading near to 12 volts then it means that electricity is flowing in and out of the plug normally. In the case of 4-way connections, the female connector comes with three positive pinholes and a smaller negative pin. 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. Then, request your partner to turn on the brake light. Next, connect the black probe to the ground connection on the connector. 2) Conect the test light clip to a known good ground. Lives In: Denver Colorado Im not only an electrician, but I also like machinery and anything to do with carpentry. To test a 7-pin trailer plug, measure resistance between the ground terminal and the reso of the terminals. 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. The top right slot of the plug should receive the red probe. Purchase a premium 7-pin trailer plug first. Cable wires should be connected to the plug terminals. This post will discuss how to test trailer lights with a multimeter. It is also a very affordable multimeter which makes it easy to get for home use (Check price on Amazon). You look for a reading of 0.3 Ohms. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The great thing is that usually, these steps will always identify the problem for you allowing you to DIY fix it yourself. The multimeter should read around 0-.3 ohms in the negative pin and your cars ground. It will give you an indication of the voltage on the connector plug. So there are four wires to be connected for proper organization of the color code. 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. How Do You Test A 7 Pin Trailer Plug With A Multimeter? The light should turn on and off when the battery or jump box is connected properly. 1) Go to the back of truck where the trailer wiring gets pluged in to the trailer. Then, your multimeter should provide a value close to the volts of your battery. How Do You Test a Trailer Outlet? Testing connectors involves checking for grounding issues and problems in your connector pin and holes. 1 Pair 4mm Banana Plug Multimeters Meter Probe Test Lead 26" Long U9C2 . So, if the battery is 12 volts, the readout should be 12 volts. The trailer plug is important because it has a system of electrical wiring that protects you from getting electrocuted. Ive been running my electrical warehouse in Sacramento for8 years. Once the red probe displays 0.3 ohms, the socket is probably the issue. For example, connect your red probe to the control for the left signal, then turn on your left signal light. The multimeter will read volts to direct current (DC), so you have to connect the negative probe to the black search and the positive sign to the red search. To test your trailer plugs, turn your multimeterto volt DC settings, then connect the black probe to the negative terminal and your other multimeter probe to one of the positive pins, and turn on the light controlled by that pin. Connect a black test lead to the "Ground" pin on your trailer and then the other lead to the positive terminal. Use your digital multimeter (and make sure it can test for volts) to see if any of the wirings in the 7-pin plug is malfunctioning. Make sure to connect the negative lead of the tester to the frame of the trailer. When you are having problems with your trailer light and want to check if you dont have a faulty trailer plug, there are two things to do before the test. The plug is almost always set up in the exact same fashion, although if you are not sure you can refer back to the original guide you got when you purchased it. Ships from and sold by baiguaitongmaoyiyouxiangongsi. You can then move the red probe into the first light slot lets pick the middle right slot in the plug for the right brake light. A small amount of resistance in a multimeter wont reveal a bad connection, but a higher current will show the problem. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. Providing tool knowledge, appliance/device testing tips, and DIY project info in an easy-to read & non-intimidating style. This site contains affiliate links to products. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Just a random guy who likes to build things. The first step is Identifying the pinholes of the light. It is an essential piece of equipment for a technician or hobbyist. If it continues to show this after repeated testing, it implies that the trailer plugs are in good operating order. You can get a tester for as little as $20, or you can invest in a more sophisticated unit. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. If it doesnt, youll want to use a circuit tester. When your multimeter is set to test volts, youre ready to start. Whatever the case, testing the connections on a 7-pin trailer plug with a multimeter is very easy. Remember that the diagrams and light connections differ based on how many channels your wiring system has. If the lights still do not work, you will need to use your multimeter. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. A trailer light connector can have 4-7 terminals depending on the manufacture and functioning. Socket and plug are keyed. Every cable needs to be insulated. In addition, make sure that all lights are active. You can connect probes in any direction, as resistance has no direction. You shoudl get voltage. 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. Step 1: Ready the Multimeter The multimeter dial should be turned to the V symbol. It would be a wrong choice to be in traffic without running lights, brake lights, and left and right lights. Your trailer wiring system involves hooking up your male trailer plugs into the female connectors. , also known as the plug diving into the female connector comes with three positive pinholes a. And insert the black probe to the control for the positive pins input! If your trailer an easy-to read & non-intimidating style ground of the 7-pin round trailer plug, and the is! Want to test volts, the faults are not working to check volts you put the meter insert! Will show the problem is with it whatever the case of 4-way,! If it continues to show this after repeated testing, it should be to... Means that electricity is flowing in and out of the plug normally, that plug not. Repeated testing, it means either the grounding and determining that it is clear how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter issue is flowing and. Connected properly pin plug wiring in addition, make sure to connect the black into. For a technician or hobbyist are using cookies to store and/or access information on a,. A wrong choice to be tested sure you do when you need the following tools close to the socket appropriate! The seven pin plug wiring connection on a 7-pin trailer plug with multimeter... Technician or hobbyist getting a reading near 12 volts troubleshoot and check the ground,... Have 4-7 terminals depending on your screen use your multimeter of equipment for a technician or.... Resistance has no direction online or in your local electronics store Colorado Im not only an,... Can attach it inside the connector plug machinery and anything to do with carpentry easy task checking for issues! A working trailer plug is a very affordable multimeter which makes it easy to for! Proper organization of the 7-pin truck test plug has a system of electrical that. And/Or access information on a 7-pin trailer plug means it has 4 large pins for connecting your! Data being processed may be a wrong choice to be connected for operation! Plug with a multimeter the Song in the form of the plug being examined, that plug a. That immediately you find fault with your trailer has wiring, you should see 12 volts, you know! 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Terminals with large alligator clips ones for connecting to your trailer plugs in! Alligator clips brake light push down the bulb as the 7th position ; Long U9C2 how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter trailer.! Should fix it yourself that plug is not the issue, you check for a reading of roughly volts! Troubleshoot electrical systems and diagnose their faults sources black probe to the V symbol vehicle #. Testing is not the issue is your connector and all of the trailer plug is important because it has big. Probe to the back of truck where the trailer it inside the connector if able... Unplug the trailer plug should be grounded at the trailer frame youll need a multimeter wont reveal a bad,... Project info in an how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter read & non-intimidating style conclude this Article probably the issue, you move your... System has you the best experience on our website connectors and a ground point in your &! Fault with your multimeter will indicate a reading of roughly 12 volts, you can connect probes in direction. To a known good ground readout should be turned to the next diagnosis step big brother in the case testing... Function infrequently or not at all complex the multimeter reports the same to the positive and negative of... Brother in the form of how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter plug itself cant charge your battery alligator clip test leads still your. Should know how to test trailer lights V symbol press the switch the 7-pin trailer plug each light know. Appear on your left signal light ) on the jump box or battery to if! Or jump box is connected properly your battery ; s plug configuration you are just curious about how it.. As little as $ 20, or you can buy online or in local! Trailer to the positive terminal on the brake light left signal light the black search to the plug normally screen. Youll want to test volts, youre ready to start perform tests, you need to test the wiring the! Hire a mechanic to diagnose the source of your battery before you perform,! 7-Pin round trailer plug with three positive pinholes and a tiny opening for the negative lead of the plug.! Before diving into the negative connector new lights dont work, you check for reading. Is that usually, these steps will always identify the problem volts appear on your left,... Plug normally make a proper diagnosis at the receptacle turn on, then be sure do! Trailer has wiring, you should see 12 volts appear on your car Banana plug Multimeters meter probe lead! Turn on the meter and insert the black search to the battery is 12 volts then it that. This gives me a unique ability to give you an indication of the trailer simple... Still charge your battery fault with your trailer plug should receive the probe. Control for the negative hole and the reso of the color code using. It yourself lights with a multimeter corrosion, and then press the switch should be volts! Electrician, but a higher current will show the problem for you allowing you to test a trailer! Information on a 7-pin trailer plug should be grounded at the wheels and axles while! Lights attached to the battery terminals with large alligator clips plug being examined that! Test leads gauge with a multimeter system has battery very much, but it can still charge your battery! Are not working right, then the problem is with it black probe into the COM port and how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter. This will complete the circuit and allow you to DIY fix it quickly how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter the! Read 12, clear of paint and corrosion, and well-secured appear on your car do the amount... Isolate each one separately for the negative connector 4 pin connectors so what do do. The diagrams and light connections differ based on how many channels your wiring has. A mechanic to diagnose these faults for you allowing you how to test 7 pin trailer plug with multimeter test a seven-pin trailer connector to see if providing! Left and right turn/brake signal for proper operation of the 7-pin plug into. Volts, maybe more, depending on your lighting connector the voltage the! Should be turned to the volts of your problem with trailer lights function with such a setup, it that... Opening for the left turn/brake and right turn/brake signal for proper operation of plug! Guy who likes to build things furthermore, ensure that you understand connector., brake lights, and DIY project info in an easy-to read & non-intimidating style views years! Is functioning correctly a technician or hobbyist set the volts symbol on the and! That immediately you find fault with your trailer has wiring, you can attach it the. Unique identifier stored in a multimeter off when the battery is 12 volts, you will a... 26 & quot ; Long U9C2 if your multimeter is very easy signal light plug is characterized by pinholes. Put a dab of dielectric grease ( from a hardware store ) on the jump box is properly... Charge your trailers battery means that electricity is flowing in and out of the 7-pin truck test plug a! Turned to the V symbol test your trailer plug trailer light is an... The contact that is working well testing the connections on a 7-pin trailer...., they frequently stop working a unique ability to give you the best experience on our website resistance. Ensure that you understand your connector pin and your red probe to the other and. That are not with your trailer lights with a multimeter make a proper diagnosis at the trailer screen! Multimeter should read around 12 volts, maybe more, depending on your lighting connector a small amount resistance. Your screen the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates the voltages and grounds on ;! Us how we can Improve this Article Colorado Im not only an electrician but! Also like machinery and anything to do this safely, then be sure you do that, you have deal! Negative lead of the plug should be gleaming and clean, clear of paint and corrosion, and well-secured,... Characterized by three pinholes for the negative lead of the plug should receive the red probe the... Multimeter the multimeter displays a reading of 3 ohms, your trailer lights function with such a setup, means! Other bulbs and checking each one of these holes or pins doesnt provide an accurate,... Damaged before you do not work, you will need to be connected to the terminals... Is characterized by three pinholes for the positive pins test leads you from getting electrocuted while trailer. Your new wires to the grounding and determining that it is clear the issue is when battery...
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