Trailer wiring
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Trailer wiring
I've determined that I'm not getting any juice from my truck (2001 F250), trailer connection for the trailer left turn & left brake light. I looked for a fuse that might control just that function but found none. Is there anything I should look for besides a bad wire? It has worked in the past, just not now. Thanks for the help.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: NW
Corrosion, most likely, somewhere. Have to track it back to the energy source, and check the wiring. The most likely culprit is the connector at the back. If you are just going by the fact the trailer lights are not on, check the trailer wiring, too. But if you are testing at the connector with a test light, and still don't have power, then you have to back track it to the front, and where it gets its power. Not fun. But check the easiest first, the connector. It gets most of the weather abuse. 
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 5,324
Likes: 1
From: Denton,TX
I had the same problem with mine recently. My left turn signal was not working. The wire was dead all the way up to the engine. Rather than run a new wire from the front of the truck I ran a new wire from the left turn signal light at the rear of the truck. If you go that route you shouldn't have any problems. That's how wires used to be run before trailer wiring was a standard option in vehicles.
HERE is a diagram to help you out.
HERE is a diagram to help you out.
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
Likes: 0
From: Lake Havasu City AZ
On some vehicles with computers and light status panels, you can cause SERIOUS (read expensive) damage by tapping into the taillight circuit. Don't know if this applies to jcullom's '01 F250, but it wouldn't hurt for him to check before doing this. In the ol' days it didn't matter, but today who knows.......
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 5,324
Likes: 1
From: Denton,TX
That's the first I've ever heard of this. It shouldn't effect the circuit at all. As long as the turn signal continues to function normally (i.e. speed of signal does not change) there should be no problem.
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
Likes: 0
From: Lake Havasu City AZ
The following is a quote from a tow vehicle parts supplier:
"Today's vehicles have more electronic features than ever before. New advancements include on board computers, cruise control, ABS brakes, air bags - systems that require more electrical power and more protection.
When you connect a trailer to a modern vehicle with sophisticated electronics you need to be aware that these features can also lead to more potential problems. Failing to use the proper wiring system for your tow vehicle can have many unfortunate consequences. An inadequate wiring system can cause an overload, resulting in blown fuses and potentially damaging sensitive, and expensive, electronic devices on your tow vehicle".
I wasn't aware of this either until recently. Again, it may not apply to an '01 F250 but if it does..............better safe than having a lighter wallet.
"Today's vehicles have more electronic features than ever before. New advancements include on board computers, cruise control, ABS brakes, air bags - systems that require more electrical power and more protection.
When you connect a trailer to a modern vehicle with sophisticated electronics you need to be aware that these features can also lead to more potential problems. Failing to use the proper wiring system for your tow vehicle can have many unfortunate consequences. An inadequate wiring system can cause an overload, resulting in blown fuses and potentially damaging sensitive, and expensive, electronic devices on your tow vehicle".
I wasn't aware of this either until recently. Again, it may not apply to an '01 F250 but if it does..............better safe than having a lighter wallet.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: NW
Originally Posted by Steina
The following is a quote from a tow vehicle parts supplier:
"Today's vehicles have more electronic features than ever before. New advancements include on board computers, cruise control, ABS brakes, air bags - systems that require more electrical power and more protection.
When you connect a trailer to a modern vehicle with sophisticated electronics you need to be aware that these features can also lead to more potential problems. Failing to use the proper wiring system for your tow vehicle can have many unfortunate consequences. An inadequate wiring system can cause an overload, resulting in blown fuses and potentially damaging sensitive, and expensive, electronic devices on your tow vehicle".
I wasn't aware of this either until recently. Again, it may not apply to an '01 F250 but if it does..............better safe than having a lighter wallet.
"Today's vehicles have more electronic features than ever before. New advancements include on board computers, cruise control, ABS brakes, air bags - systems that require more electrical power and more protection.
When you connect a trailer to a modern vehicle with sophisticated electronics you need to be aware that these features can also lead to more potential problems. Failing to use the proper wiring system for your tow vehicle can have many unfortunate consequences. An inadequate wiring system can cause an overload, resulting in blown fuses and potentially damaging sensitive, and expensive, electronic devices on your tow vehicle".
I wasn't aware of this either until recently. Again, it may not apply to an '01 F250 but if it does..............better safe than having a lighter wallet.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 5,324
Likes: 1
From: Denton,TX
I guess my 1997 isn't that "sophistocated." Good information though. Thanks. Research deserves reputation points I think (positive of course!).
Last edited by johnsdiesel; May 26, 2004 at 05:07 AM.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 616
Likes: 1
From: Florida Parishes, LA
Check the back of the trailer plug on the truck and make sure that the wires are making good connection. I had the same issue on a different truck and used a test light and found that I had power to the connector just not through it.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Progress.....
Thanks guys for all the help. This morning I took the connector off the wiring harness & determined with a continuity tester that it is ok. Then I used a voltage tester & found that in the harness connector where the trailer connector wires plug into, the pole that feeds the left turn blinker isn't getting juice. All the others are, so it's either the harness connector or the wire. Now, my question is, does anyone have an idea where the trailer wire harness begins in the engine compartment. If I could find it, then I should be able to narrow things down a bit further.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Duh........
Jeez, do I feel like an idiot. I said earlier that I looked for a fuse covering just the trailer left turn lights. At first I didn't see one in the book, but after a second look, there it is! I guess I need new glasses. Anyway, it's in the fuse panel up front. Number 1 fuse too. Oh well, at least I didn't have to tear out the wiring. Thanks again for all the suggestions.
John
John