Troubleshooting Intermittently Working 7-Way Trailer Connector on 2011 Chevy Traverse
Question:
Hello eTrailer I have a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse with the factory tow package installed. However, the 7 pin connection is not reliable any more. Sometimes i need to wiggle it to get the trailer lights to work. Sometime the right indicator doesnt work. Do you sell a 7 pin wiring kit that can replace the existing 7 pin wiring on my Traverse?
asked by: Richard B
Expert Reply:
Due to the intermittent nature of your problem, what you have going on is likely being caused by corrosion in the trailer connector on the vehicle or in the connector on the trailer. First, check those blades on the vehicle's connector for green or white corrosion. If the corrosion is minor, you can take a piece of sandpaper and remove the corrosion, but if its severe it's likely that the corrosion has spread to the interior of the plug and is interfering with the voltage coming through and the connector assembly should be replaced.
For a replacement 7-way/4-pole connector, I'd recommend the # HM40975. You'd simply unplug the existing 7-way from the tow package harness on the back of the connector and replace the existing with the # HM40975.
Next check the sockets on the connector on the trailer. If the sockets are corroded it'll be difficult to use sandpaper on them but if you have a file that's small and thin enough to fit in there, you can take a stab at cleaning them. If not, you'll need to replace the connector. We offer a trailer connector/junction box as part # HS381-9000 that would work great for you. The junction box provides a spot to neatly make your wiring connections so they'll be protected from the elements and easy to access if necessary.
When the blades and sockets have been cleaned or the connector/s have been replaced, it's a good idea to use some dielectric grease like # 11755 on the blades and in the sockets to prevent corrosion from occurring again.
Products Referenced in This Question
Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring
- Dielectric Grease
- LubriMatic
more information >
7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- 4 Flat
- Hopkins
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Wiring Kit for Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuators
- Accessories and Parts
- Brake Actuator
- Disc Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Wiring
- Hydrastar
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Intermittent Trailer Connection Through 7-Ways
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End
- Shop: RoadMaster 6-Wire Trailer Connector - Trailer End
- Shop: Hopkins Endurance Flex-Coil Trailer Connector Adapter w/ Nite-Glow - 7-Pole to 4-Pole - 8' Long
- Shop: 7-Wire to 6-Wire Coiled-to-Straight Cord for Roadmaster Tow Bars - 8' Long
- Shop: Demco 7-Wire to 6-Wire Coiled Electrical Cord w/ 6-Way Round Plug - 7' Long
- Shop: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Shop: Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Video: Trailer Hitch Installation - 2011 Chevrolet Traverse - Draw-Tite
- Video: Best 2011 Chevrolet Traverse Trailer Wiring Options
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer hitch wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Search Results: hitch
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Q&A: 7-Way Trailer Plug Adapter or Compatibility with Lance Slide-In Truck Bed Camper
- Video: Hopkins 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket Review
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: My Vehicle has a 4-Pin Trailer Plug, but Trailer has 7-Pin Trailer Plug
- Search Results: trailer brake controller