Troubleshooting a Pollak 7 Way Vehicle Connector Plug Wiring Malfunction

Question:

The trailer comes with electric brakes but all Im trying to do is hook-up the lights because I only have a four pin connector to my vehicle - it was originally wired for a boat trailer. The terminals are color coded but when I plugged the trailer female plug into the terminal plug the only lights that worked correctly are the flashers - the turn signals were opposite - so Ive got a wiring/color problem. should I take apart the female plug and match colors that way ???? Thanks

asked by: Randy

Expert Reply:

I agree it sounds like there is a wiring issue, and to get the functions to work properly you will have to re-wire the vehicle connector. Please keep in mind that you do not want to rely on color alone to diagnose the wiring functions, it is always recommended to test and verify function of the wire. You will need a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to verify these functions.

I have included a helpful article that shows typical wiring for both the trailer and vehicle connectors. Since your vehicle only has a 4-way you can wire the 7-way for those functions and do not have to wire for brakes, 12V Power, Brakes, and Reverse Lights. However, if you would like to use the electric break functions of your trailer, I can make the appropriate wiring recommendations for you. To make the proper recommendations I will need the year, make, and model of your vehicle.

For the vehicle connection points you will need to connect the wires from your 4-pole to the following locations inside the vehicle connector with the notch on the connector at the bottom:

Green - Vehicle Right Turn and Brake Lights connects to the 9 o'clock position
Yellow - Vehicle Left Turn and Brake Lights connects to the 3 o'clock position
Brown - Vehicle Tail and Running Lights connect to the 1 o'clock position
White - Ground wire connects to the 5 o'clock position

I have included a helpful article, a photo showing the correct mounting locations, links to the part listed above, and a few videos for your reference.