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Expert Answers about Voltmeters


  • Using Voltmeter To Install Tekonsha 119250KIT Trailer Wiring Harness on 2013 BMW X5
  • To install the Tekonsha # 119250KIT wiring harness on your 2013 BMW X5, you'll need to access the wiring harnesses that feed the right and left taillight assemblies and test as shown in the provided video. The video shows the step by step circuit testing and harness install on a 2013 BMW X5 like yours. A test lamp like # PTW2993 would be easier to use than a voltmeter, but you could certainly use a voltmeter. Just set meter to '12VDC' using the control knob. Ground the black lead and probe...
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  • Alternatives to Using Brake Stoplight Switch When Installing Brake Controller on 2002 Toyota Tundra
  • I do not have any specific information on removal of the bottom portion of the dash on a 2002 Tundra, but I can suggest an easier spot to access the wiring. Since the cold circuit of the brake stoplight switch is not accessible enough, the third brake lamp circuit can be used. The circuit that feeds the rear of the vehicle is typically in a harness ran under the door thresholds, which are pretty easily removed. You would then probe the wires in the harness with a circuit tester like part...
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  • Roadmaster Brake-Lite Installation for 2015 Jeep Cherokee With Push Button Start Switch
  • If your 2015 Jeep Cherokee has the push button start switch that doesn't start the engine when the brake fuse is removed, the Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit # RM-88400 needs to be installed in the Normally Closed position. Here are the instructions for that proper installation: Remove the green wire from the kit. If you are using a Roadmaster Even Brake supplemental braking system, set this wire aside to use later. Locate the brake-light-switch wire in your towed car. Remove the brake...
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  • Is a Relay Required for Normally Closed Installation of Brake Light Relay on a 2015 Jeep Cherokee
  • To determine if you need to use diode # RM-790 on the normally closed installation of the brake light relay # RM-88400 perform this test: Start the engine and turn on the headlights. With a volt meter, such as # PT89ZR is you need one, test the tail light wire for 12 VDC+ current at any point between the splice made into the tow bar wiring you are using and the brown wire in the relay kit and the tail lights. If the volt meter does not register voltage, a diode is not needed. If the...
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  • Pop & Lock Remote Wire Colors For 2019 GMC Sierra 1500
  • I was able confirm with Pop & Lock that the color wires you are looking for are Tan and Blue for the remote on the Pop & Lock Power Lock Conversion Kit for Truck Caps and Hard Tonneau Covers # PAL9772. That is the case for all GMC 2007+ year models per my contact there. They also recommend you always be sure to test with a voltmeter first.
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  • Is The Roadmaster Diode # RM-790 Necessary For Installing The # RM-88400 On A 2019 Jeep Cherokee
  • The # RM-790 isn't always typical for installation which is why it's listed as possibly being needed. If you start your engine and turn on your headlights and then test the tail light wire with a voltmeter like # PT89ZR and do register 12VDC then you will need to install the diode to protect your vehicle's components from harmful feedback.
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  • Troubleshooting Hopkins 12-Volt Power Socket # HM55115 Only Supplying 8V of Power
  • I would start off by making sure that the ground of the Hopkins 12-Volt Power Socket # HM55115 is secure and connected to a clean, bare-metal surface. Even some paint could potentially cause issues. Aside from that I would just make sure that none of your wiring is damaged. Let me know if neither of those solutions work and I can help you troubleshoot further.
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  • Location of 12V Auxiliary Power Circuit on 7-way Trailer Connector
  • In 7-way wiring the 12V auxiliary power feed is carried on the contact at the 1:00 position as you look at the socket. Please refer to the linked photo to see this. You can test to confirm power is available at this circuit contact by using a voltmeter like # PT89ZR or a circuit tester like # PTW2992.
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  • How to Identify Connection Point for Red Input Signal Wire on Brake Controller
  • The correct wire on a vehicle to connect to the red input signal wire on a brake controller like the Prodigy P2 # 90885 is the one at the cold side of the brake light switch. The cold side of the switch is the wire that shows 12V power ONLY when the pedal is pressed and at no other time. Use of a voltmeter or circuit tester like # PTW2993 will make it easier to identify the correct connection point for the controllers input signal. The linked video shows how the tester is used to detect...
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  • Installation Instructions for Roadmaster Brake Lite Relay and Brakemaster 9000
  • There are two methods of installation for the Roadmaster Brake Lite Relay part # RM-88400 that you referenced, open and closed. Most towed cars require the normally open installation method. Ford and Lincoln models with neutral tow kits and most automobiles that have a push-button start function will require the normally closed installation. Check out the diagram that details the installation. Remove the blue wire from the kit. This wire is not needed for normally open applications. Locate...
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  • 50A to 30A Y-Cord with 30A Pins Wired to Separate 50A Pins
  • I reached out to my contact at Mighty Cord and they confirmed that the Mighty Cord RV Power Adapter Y-Cord - 50 Amp to 30 Amp # A10-50X30Y is configured to that both hot legs of the 50A plug separately supply phased power to each 30A female receptacle. This configuration results in one 30A female receptacle hot pin being connected to one 50A hot pin plug and the other 30A female hot pin being connected to the other 50A hot pin plug as the customer requested. Attached is a review video...
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  • Can I Check P3 90195 Brake Controller With a Voltmeter at the 7-Way
  • Yes, you can sue a circuit tester to check the function of the brake controller at the 7-Way. You will see some voltage at the 7-Way on the brake controller pin when the controller is on. It sends a small amount of current, not even enough to engage the brakes, all the time. This current is used by the brake controller to detect whether or not a trailer is connected. When you shut your truck off, after a period of inactivity, the brake controller will shut off and no longer send this test...
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  • How to Find Brake Switch Wire in a 1978 Ford F-100 for Brake Controller Installation
  • Are your vehicle brake lights still working when you press the brake pedal? If so, then it sounds like maybe you are testing the wrong circuit. It sounds like you could be installing a brake controller and are looking for the correct circuit to run to the stoplight circuit of the brake controller. If this is the case keep checking the circuits you found near the brake pedal till you find one that has 12 volts when the brakes are pressed and none when released. For more information on...
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  • Wire Colors For Brake Controller Connector on 2002 Ford F350
  • I don't have information about wire colors, but I can explain how to figure out which wire provides which function using a voltmeter or test lamp like # PTW2993. With the ignition on, one wire should show a constant 12-volts. This would connect to the black wire on your brake controller harness. Next, there will be a wire that only shows voltage with the brake pedal pressed. This would connect to the red brake controller wire. Of the two remaining wires, one is ground and the other carries...
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  • Using Quick Splice Connectors of Stealth Hitch Trailer Wiring for 2019 Tesla Model 3
  • Using scotch locks or quick splices to connect two circuits is actually pretty easy. Basically you set the two wires in the channels of the quick splice and then close the flap of the connector and apply pressure so that the blade of the connector pierces just the insulation of the wiring and then creates a connection between the circuits since the blade is conductive. Testing the circuits is pretty easy. What you'll need is a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to prove the wires of the vehicle...
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  • Why Do Test LEDs Light Up Without Actual Trailer Lighting Signals Transmitted
  • LED type lights are very highly efficient, using only about 1/10th the power required by standard incandescent light bulbs. This means that certain wiring harnesses will cause one or more of the LEDs to light up just from the very low-level residual power that "leaks" through a harness even when there are no full-scale signals being transmitted. This is entirely normal and does not indicate any malfunction in part # HM48190. If you have a voltmeter you can test each of the three circuit...
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  • Cana 4-Way Trailer Connector be Hardwired into a 2011 Ford Escape
  • There isn't a standard for wire color/function, even from one manufacturer between their different models, so you will have to test the taillight wiring on your 2011 Ford Escape using a circuit tester such as # PTW2993. You can have someone sit in the cab of the vehicle and run through the lighting functions while you test with the circuit tester (a voltmeter works too if you have one). Then you can splice in the wires from the 4-Way you have. But I have to warn you that all of the aftermarket...
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  • Difficulty Finding Trailer Reverse Light Wire on a 2012 Ford F-150
  • From what I could find what you have described as far as wire location is accurate. It is possible that it is further up in the loom that the other wires were in or in that general area. But if you can't find it then the only other option is to splice the reverse light wire from # 37185 to a wire behind one of the reverse lights on your 2012 Ford F-150.
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  • Is There Any Electrical Current At Power Cord Plug On Jayco Motorhome When Unplugged
  • The best way to make sure you do not have any current at the plug or on the line is to find the breaker box on your RV and make sure you cut the power to the circuits by flipping the main off. There shouldn't be any current back feeding to the wires on the plug you want to replace but you can use a voltmeter to make sure. The Power Grip Replacement RV Power Cord Plug w/ Handle, part # CAM55245 features a handle that makes it easy to plug and unplug the cord from the receptacles when needed.
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  • Is it Normal for Pop & Lock to Only Lock Tailgate on 2017 Chevy Colorado When Pressed Twice
  • That may just be the standard operation for your 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71. I currently own a 2010 Chevy Equinox and you click the fob once for the driver side door to unlock but then twice if you want the passenger doors and/or rear hatch to open up. If your passenger door(s) don't lock until you press the button twice then it would make sense that the Pop & Lock Custom Tailgate Lock # PAL8140 would operate in the same manner. I reached out to my contact at Pop & Lock and he said that their...
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