Can NOT get trailer lights to work

[tstex]

duct tape, lol...

I might try buffing the pins w a 300 grit sandpaper, compressor blow it clean, then use a brass tightening clip to secure the plug to the receptacle for now. I will still want to replace the receptacle and another other damaged parts to do a clean job. Going to do that way before it gets to hot in S TX.

Yes Dodge, it is a four pin and I have both 7 & 4 pin receptacles. However, it the harness plug is not securely attaching to the receptacle, neither pin configuration will work - thanks again

 

[RandyT]

If you haven't found the solution, check to make sure you are getting a good ground by attaching using a direct wire from the truck to the trailer frame to troubleshoot. My experience is that trailers have been sitting for while or that are rarely used sometimes do not want to ground through the hitch when just sitting on the ball.

Trailers are not supposed to be grounded through the ball. There is a separate wire on both the 4 pin and the 7 pin that is a dedicated ground wire between the trailer frame and the truck. If that wire is not working you can getting intermittent grounding issues when it tries to ground through the ball, but in some cases it will try to ground through another avenue like back feeding a light circuit, which can cause all kinds of havoc.

 

[tstex]

Trailers are not supposed to be grounded through the ball. There is a separate wire on both the 4 pin and the 7 pin that is a dedicated ground wire between the trailer frame and the truck. If that wire is not working you can getting intermittent grounding issues when it tries to ground through the ball, but in some cases it will try to ground through another avenue like back feeding a light circuit, which can cause all kinds of havoc.

On the neck of my trailer, there is a 5/8" bolt that tightens down to the metal frame. this is where the ground wire from the harness is secured. As noted in the post above, I have a very good ground w clean metal and clean/non-oxidized wire, so I am very good here.

 

[Bearsixty7]

I think I found the problem

The wire assembly that comes from the electrical system will not stay engaged to the trailer adapter area. So none of the back receptacles were getting any power. When trying to attached that assembly, should it click in place or something?

Follow the bundle of wires from that receptacle plug back up to where it goes along the frame to the front of the truck. There is probably a plug connection and you can just go buy that short section.
Something like this,

https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-43395-Simple-Vehicle-Trailer/dp/B004BE7WN4/ref=asc_df_B004BE7WN4/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312136743070&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14854758136239697945&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026850&hvtargid=pla-436576598783&psc=1

 

[RandyT]

On the neck of my trailer, there is a 5/8" bolt that tightens down to the metal frame. this is where the ground wire from the harness is secured. As noted in the post above, I have a very good ground w clean metal and clean/non-oxidized wire, so I am very good here.

I read your post with the proper ground but was referring to erikjohn talking about the trailer not grounding through the ball after setting for a period of time. And quoted his post about they shouldn't even being grounding through the ball.

 

[dlctcg]

Not sure if your F150 has this type of truck connector on it...




If it does you can order the entire OEM ford kit for a little over $60.... It includes the 7way / 4way connector & the rear wire harness with retainer clip all plug & play with your F150 harness.... This would replace / repair all the damaged / corroded parts & keep it factory.





Double Check but the part numbers should be:

Ford Part # 9L3Z-15A416-A - F-150 2009-2010 TRAILER HITCH HARNESS W/O REVERSE PARK AID


Ford Part # 9L3Z-15A416-B - F-150 2009-2010 TRAILER HITCH HARNESS WITH REVERSE PARK AID

These part numbers should fit a 2014 Ford F-150 FX2, FX4, King Ranch, Lariat, Limited, Platinum, STX, XL, XLT 3.5L V6 - Gas, 3.7L V6 - Flex, 5.0L V8 - Flex, 6.2L V8 - Gas

Links are for Tasca Ford but you can shop around, just used it for reference... (I have nothing to do with Tasca)

 

[JDZ735M]

If it does you can order the entire OEM ford kit for a little over $60.... It includes the 7way / 4way connector & the rear wire harness with retainer clip all plug & play with your F150 harness.... This would replace / repair all the damaged / corroded parts & keep it factory.

Easy Fix!

 

[pmsmechanic]

Follow the bundle of wires from that receptacle plug back up to where it goes along the frame to the front of the truck. There is probably a plug connection and you can just go buy that short section.
Something like this,

https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-43395-Simple-Vehicle-Trailer/dp/B004BE7WN4/ref=asc_df_B004BE7WN4/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312136743070&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14854758136239697945&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026850&hvtargid=pla-436576598783&psc=1

Or if the wiring is all good and you know what you are doing you could buy just the rear female 7 pin plug (any automotive store) and reuse the existing wiring harness.

 

[tstex]

Not sure if your F150 has this type of truck connector on it...

View attachment 731173


If it does you can order the entire OEM ford kit for a little over $60.... It includes the 7way / 4way connector & the rear wire harness with retainer clip all plug & play with your F150 harness.... This would replace / repair all the damaged / corroded parts & keep it factory.

View attachment 731176



Double Check but the part numbers should be:

Ford Part # 9L3Z-15A416-A - F-150 2009-2010 TRAILER HITCH HARNESS W/O REVERSE PARK AID


Ford Part # 9L3Z-15A416-B - F-150 2009-2010 TRAILER HITCH HARNESS WITH REVERSE PARK AID

These part numbers should fit a 2014 Ford F-150 FX2, FX4, King Ranch, Lariat, Limited, Platinum, STX, XL, XLT 3.5L V6 - Gas, 3.7L V6 - Flex, 5.0L V8 - Flex, 6.2L V8 - Gas

Links are for Tasca Ford but you can shop around, just used it for reference... (I have nothing to do with Tasca)

Not sure if your F150 has this type of truck connector on it...

View attachment 731173


If it does you can order the entire OEM ford kit for a little over $60.... It includes the 7way / 4way connector & the rear wire harness with retainer clip all plug & play with your F150 harness.... This would replace / repair all the damaged / corroded parts & keep it factory.

View attachment 731176



Double Check but the part numbers should be:

Ford Part # 9L3Z-15A416-A - F-150 2009-2010 TRAILER HITCH HARNESS W/O REVERSE PARK AID


Ford Part # 9L3Z-15A416-B - F-150 2009-2010 TRAILER HITCH HARNESS WITH REVERSE PARK AID

These part numbers should fit a 2014 Ford F-150 FX2, FX4, King Ranch, Lariat, Limited, Platinum, STX, XL, XLT 3.5L V6 - Gas, 3.7L V6 - Flex, 5.0L V8 - Flex, 6.2L V8 - Gas

Links are for Tasca Ford but you can shop around, just used it for reference... (I have nothing to do with Tasca)

Thank you dlc..that dog will hunt…I’ll find those parts, order, install & post back w install pics / hopefully this can help someone else in the future..you guys are great !

 

[tstex]

And yes, that is the exact type of trailer receptacle for my f150. Thanks again for everyone ones suggestions & help.