How can I check if the towbar electrics are licv

Hi - Can anyone offer help/advice.

I have a '98 Defender which I have recently purchased, not had one before. I have just come round to checking whether the towbar electrics work when connected to a trailer, as I want to start towing. They didn't, but there was a lot of dry mud in the fitting so I was just wondering how I could check whether the fitting is live, and whether the mud and dirt in the fitting is what is preventing it working.

I also noticed that the trailer light on the dashboard flashes once when I indicate. I mentioned this to my mechanic and he said he'd have a look at it and it seemed to be sorted for a short while but it has started doing it again. So I'm wondering if there's a wiring problem.

Would appreciate any advice.

Thanks

Jennystew said:

Hi - Can anyone offer help/advice.

I have a '98 Defender which I have recently purchased, not had one before. I have just come round to checking whether the towbar electrics work when connected to a trailer, as I want to start towing. They didn't, but there was a lot of dry mud in the fitting so I was just wondering how I could check whether the fitting is live, and whether the mud and dirt in the fitting is what is preventing it working.

I also noticed that the trailer light on the dashboard flashes once when I indicate. I mentioned this to my mechanic and he said he'd have a look at it and it seemed to be sorted for a short while but it has started doing it again. So I'm wondering if there's a wiring problem.

Would appreciate any advice.

Thanks

Click to expand...

To test it is easy in principle but usually an arse.
Sounds like your one is in desperate tlc.
1st clean out all that mud, dead spiders cobwebs ect.
2nd test the trailer light on a vehicle you know works.
If alls well try it again in ya fender. might get a few more working.
Best thing to do really is get a new socket and cut the old one off, but if thats not a option then clean out all the female connectors with a bit of rolled up sand paper, course side out
All the males sandpaper again but course side in. make a tube with it and rotate it.
then GENTLY prise open the males, that X bit apply a little pressure with a screw driver so the make contact better with the trailer sockets females.
WD40 it.
Try trailer again, hopefully you will be in luck and all will work..
If not its gets harder if you want to reuse your plug.
Consider buying new one as it will make your life easier.

Trailer wiring and tow hitch wiring are a complete arse, the frequently go wrong if not maintained.

Best option is get a new trailer board, Then fix it, cause they are always badly put together, usually a bulb loose or terminal that does not make contact with the bulb.

Next best option is to completely rewire the tow hitch socket, its easy trust me.
Here is the configuration


If that dont work bring it round to mine on a weekend and I will sort it out

Thanks very much. Will have a go.

Been struggling for days pulling spaghetti wiring all over. thanks for the stupid proof diagram. sorted trailer out thanks.

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f38/please-read-before-posting-section-75701.html


ffs - noobs without a braincell

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f38/tow-socket-wiring-48448.html
http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f38/12s-wiring-changes-1998-1999-a-159468.html

Jennystew said:

I also noticed that the trailer light on the dashboard flashes once when I indicate. I mentioned this to my mechanic and he said he'd have a look at it and it seemed to be sorted for a short while but it has started doing it again. So I'm wondering if there's a wiring problem.

Click to expand...

innit supposed to do this?

:yes: