Troubleshooting 7-Way Connector Not Working on a 2000 Chevy Silverado 1500
Question:
2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trailer lights were not working, the 7-way was always finicky, so I ordered a new Pollak 12-707 and 4 foot wiring for the trailer. I actually found the trailer lights and connector work just fine with another vehicle, leaving the issue with my work-tow vehicle I checked all the fuses - ones under hood were fine. The fuse under dash labeled 6-pin trailer harness was rather hot engine off. If I unplugged trailer connection, the fuse would not heat. Also tried several different plugs. Any help?
asked by: Chad
Expert Reply:
If your trailer is working properly with other vehicles then the problem is definitely on your 2000 Chevy Silverado 1500. The fuse that you referenced I believe is for the 12V power but I could be mistaken. I tried looking up the online owner's manual but it didn't really identify the various fuses with numbers.
With that being said, the best place to start is right at the 7-Way connector on your Chevy. Using a circuit tester like part # PTW2991 or a multimeter like part # PTW1714 check each of your functions on the 7-Way to make sure they are working properly (see attached photo). It will help to have a helper for running through the functions.
If some of the functions aren't working properly then you likely just need to find any places where the wiring is damaged or bent and replace it. If all of them aren't working then it is likely that your connector or the wiring harness is bad and you can replace them with part # PK11893 or part # PK11898 respectively.
After testing everything and using the circuit tester to probe for various locations where the signal is lost, if you are still having issues then you may want to take your pickup to a shop and have them look at it.
Products Referenced in This Question
Pollak Replacement 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector Socket - Vehicle End
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Vehicle End Connector
- Plug Only
- 7 Round - Blade
- Pollak
more information >
Pollak 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector Socket w/ Wiring Harness and Mounting Bracket
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Vehicle End Connector
- 0 - 5 Feet Long
- Plug and Lead
- 7 Round - Blade
- Pollak
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Curt Heavy Duty Forged Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 1" Rise - 2" Drop - 17,000 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: Pollak 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector Socket w/ Wiring Harness and Mounting Bracket
- Shop: Stake Pocket Tie-Down Anchor - Black Powder Coat - 2-1/4" D-Ring - 4,000 lbs
- Q&A: Location of Brake Controller Fuse on a 2001 Chevy Silverado
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: No Power on the Running Light Circuit on a 2000 Chevy Silverado z71 Towing a Boat Trailer
- Q&A: No 12 Volt Power to Trailer Connector on a 2002 Chevy Silverado
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Install a 7-Way Trailer Connector on a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Q&A: What Should the Voltage Output Be at the 4-Way Plug on Curt T-Connector Wiring Harness # 56016
- Video: Pollak 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado
- Shop: Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - GM
- Shop: Stake Pocket Tie-Down Anchor - Zinc - 2" D-Ring - 1,600 lbs
- Q&A: Stake Pocket Anchors Compatible with Bulldog Winch Tie-Down Straps
- Q&A: How to Wire a 2000 Chevy Silverado for Hauling a Trailer with a Brake Controller
- Article: Ball Mount Basics: Weight Capacity, Class, and Size
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Video: Review of Demco Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler - Standard Coupler - DM15945
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Shop: Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler - eZ-Latch - Silver - 2" Ball - Bolt On - 10,000 lbs
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: 25580
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: hitch
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Search Results: brake controller
- Shop: Brake Controller