Troubleshooting 7-Way Trailer Socket on 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty

Question:

Ive got power on the ground at trailer plug do l suppose too

asked by: Bell

Expert Reply:

If you refer to the linked photo of a 7-way vehicle socket you can see the function of each of the contact pins, including 12V trailer power on the pin at the 1-o-clock position and ground at the 7-o-clock position.

The most common cause for airing issue like yours is a case of corrosion built up on or inside the trailer socket or in the plug connected to the rear of the socket. Trapped water, dirt or other foreign material also can cause one contact to become bridged to another.

Inspect the socket contacts, the connector that plugs into the back of it as well as the wiring for any signs of corrosive build-up, foreign material or other damage. If a cleaning with electronic contact cleaner does not correct the issue a replacement 7-way like # 74682 or # HM40975 may be in order.

The best way to protect your connections is an application of dielectric grease like # 11755. This blocks entry of contaminants and water that can cause connection problems and corrosion.

expert reply by: Adam R