Newbie wiring issues

[mrbstearns]

Hey all,
I have a 7 pin connector that isn't giving off power, I tested it with a meter. It was installed last year so very new. After the winter only one running light on the camper was working, now none.
Everything for the TV works properly.

I was advised to replace the converter that sits behind the rear bumper of the TV, which was also installed a year ago.
Before I spend the money doing this - any other suggestions? Seems like after only a year and barely any use this shouldn't have failed?

I appreciate all the help everyone provides on here.

 

[Raycfe]

With a test light or voltmeter the TV(tow vehicle) plug has to be tested one terminal at a time. As for the PUP if one running light works they all should, they are all fed by the same terminal.
Check before your replace or you could be running around in circles.

 

[mrbstearns]

the 7 pin on the TV, all terminals aren't giving off anything. When I connected the firs time this season only one light on PUP worked - now none.

 

[speckhunter80]

Hey all,
I have a 7 pin connector that isn't giving off power, I tested it with a meter. It was installed last year so very new. After the winter only one running light on the camper was working, now none.
Everything for the TV works properly.

I was advised to replace the converter that sits behind the rear bumper of the TV, which was also installed a year ago. WHAT?? AND WHY WOULD YOU HAVE CONVERTER BEHIND YOUR TRUCK BUMPER?
Before I spend the money doing this - any other suggestions? Seems like after only a year and barely any use this shouldn't have failed?

I appreciate all the help everyone provides on here.

 

[mrbstearns]

it is a trailer light power module, not a converter. It was installed by U-haul last year. The wires run through the rear tail light fixing and down, so this module is basically hanging between the bumper and the light fixing.

 

[Raycfe]

The module (taillight converter) could be bad, or disconnected. Some models require to be powered from the battery to work. You can test the inputs to it just like you check the TV socket. If you have power going it and not out ....... its bad.

 

[mrbstearns]

thank you. its connected to the battery and the battery is fine. I can't reach it without taking the bumper of the TV off, I have a subaru outback.

What are possible causes of the 7 pin socket not having power?
At U Haul they immediate said to replace the trailer light power module.

 

[Phranc]

If you have power going in and no power going out of the module, chances are it needs replacing.

 

[Yak]

If you have power going in and no power going out of the module, chances are it needs replacing.

This^
Until the inputs are verified it's just a guessing game

 

[mrbstearns]

thanks for the help. Replacing the power module - can I basically just splice in the new one at same location bad one is in?

 

[94-D2]

I found this link which may help you regarding the converter. I found this thread interesting because most folks do not realize how the light actually makes it back to the trailer which is primitive compared to our newer vehicles. The one post above where the poster asks why would you have that, sort of substantiates this. One thing that strikes me is that fact that the converter also takes the load of the trailer lights and off of the TV. This Q &A points out that our newer vehicles use much less power to signal and light things up. Trailers take much more and the electronics involved in your TV are very susceptible to current draw and dirty circuits which is typical in our trailers and connections. The converter takes this element out of the vehicles electronics by taking up and supplying the load utilizing a signal only from the TV. So it is actually very important.


http://www.hopkinstowingsolutions.com/support/faq.html#q101


You might want to check some of the stuff mentioned before you go through the expense of the converter. I don't know what type of vehicle you have but based on you including that U-haul installed it and immediately laid blame on the converter tells me a lot. Just my unsolicited opinion but I have found that U-haul hitch stores is like going to CW for a tune up on your TV. I don't think they have the best quality people. Not that they don't have any good ones but I've had experiences there before.


Good luck with it. Sorry for your trouble but thanks for posting this one. It certainly raises an awareness of getting proper power back there to operate stuff.

 

[speckhunter80]

 

[mrbstearns]

94-D2,
thanks for that. I agree with your sentiment on U-Haul. The purpose of the converter/power module, is to run the trailer lights off of the TV battery. The problem is that I never considered the converted blowing..and having to replace it. They are commonly installed in the trunk area, near where the spare is (I have a Subaru Outback). They installed mine behind the bumper, which they had off to install the the hitch itself.
Pretty interesting stuff I guess..so long as I can replace this thing!

 

[94-D2]

On my FJ, there is a compartment that gives access to the tail lights, jack and tools. The compartment actually opens up to the tank fill tube, and body panels behind the plastic tube of the cargo area. This is where the converter/ module is placed and adjacent to the towing wire harness. Is there a possibility to relocate it. It occurred to me that perhaps their module is not sealed and exposed to the elements which have contributed to its demise. I know electronic parts are sensitive, but a year is terrible. Any chance U-haul will warranty it.

 

[mrbstearns]

They ran the wires through the tail light fixture, the converter is hanging below that fixture. It is somewhat protected but not completely.

 

[94-D2]

Well, if you can relocate it to the spare tire well or a panel behind the cargo hold, it will be fully protected. The other option is to install a pelican box or sealed enclosure for it under the car. That would protect it.


Good luck with whatever you do. But I think just replacing it will yield the same condition unless you can replace it with a sealed unit.

 

[Yak]

These modules are used when the TV has separate brake and turn lamps and can't be wired to a standard 7 pin

 

[94-D2]

Not necessarily. Like I said. They are used on most vehicles today due to electronic sensitivity. They are included in most tow packages and you don't even know they are present. I don't know where you hear that they can't be wired to a 7 pin but you can wire anything you want to a 7 pin. It is just a plug. A means to make a connection between two points. Has nothing to do with what is wired to it.

 

[Phranc]

I think he mean the tail/brake lights can't be wired direct to the 7 pin due to having separate brake and turn lights.

 

[Yak]

Not necessarily. Like I said. They are used on most vehicles today due to electronic sensitivity. They are included in most tow packages and you don't even know they are present. I don't know where you hear that they can't be wired to a 7 pin but you can wire anything you want to a 7 pin. It is just a plug. A means to make a connection between two points. Has nothing to do with what is wired to it.

too many wires, Subarus have separate turn and brake bulbs, the Pup has a single stop/turn bulbs.


"These trailer connectors are ideal for cars and trucks with separate bulbs for signal operations, but need to operate trailers that utilize the same bulb for signaling. They conveniently convert your vehicle's stop, tail and turn signals into the needed input for your trailer's single bulb signals.



http://www.delcity.net/store/Trailer-:-Tail-Light-Converters/p_9036.h_155430.t_1.r_IF1003?mkwid=uOpbcI70&crid=38094426869&gclid=CIK1qP6eisACFQQT7Aodp3YAdw