Trailer Running Lights Not Working When Connected to 4-Pole Harness # 18252 on 2007 Ford F-150
Question:
I have 07 St f150. The running light for the trlr hitch r not working checked the fuse its OK a wires r connected Im stuck :-
asked by: Theo
Expert Reply:
The first step for troubleshooting your 4-pole installation is to check that the lighting functions on the vehicle itself are operating correctly. This needs to be checked first since the part you referenced, Draw-Tite 4-Pole Hardwire Kit # 18252, relies on input signals from the vehicle lights to send output signals to the trailer. If the vehicle lights are not working properly you will need to get those fixed first. Once you have confirmed the vehicle light functions are all okay you can move on to test the 4-pole.
With a helper on hand in the truck to activate the stop, turn and taillights one by one, apply the circuit tester included in the kit (or a similar circuit tester such as # PTW2992) to each pin. Clip the ground lead on the tester to the exposed pin for the white ground wire; turn on headlights and apply the test probe to the pin for the brown wire, which carries the running light signal. You should detect a steady signal as long as the vehicle lights are on. (If your trailer stop and turn signals are working properly then you do not need to test the yellow and green wires.) The linked video should be helpful.
If the vehicle 4-pole carries the running light signal as it should then the problem is in your trailer connector or trailer wiring. Check it for signs or corrosion (even slight green or white discoloration) that could be the cause for the malfunction.
If the vehicle running lights work but you still have no signal on the 4-pole, then I suggest you make a new connection to the running light wire on the truck. The Draw-Tite kit includes 4 quick-splice wiretap connectors. These are effective and convenient, but a better connection can be had by using butt connectors. You can use Deka # 05730-5 or an equivalent that is suited to 18-gauge wires. Try making a new connection between the brown wire from the 4-pole and your F-150 running light wire using the butt connector. You will also want to make sure the brown wire is connected to the correct wire at the F-150 taillight assembly. You can use the tester to confirm which vehicle wire carries the running light signal to the running light and make sure this is the wire connected to the brown wire from the harness.
Products Referenced in This Question
22-18 Gauge Butt Connectors - 5 Pack
- Wiring
- Wire Connectors
- Butt Connectors
- 22-18 Gauge
- Deka
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
4-Way Flat Trailer Connector w/ 72" Harness, Circuit Tester and Wire Taps
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- 6 Feet Long
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
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