Trailer light wiring issue

[sgg93]

I've recently bought a 5x8 utility trailer, and I'm having trouble getting the lights to work. With a test light grounded to the metal plate on the bumper, I can find the two turn signals and the brake lights in the 7 pin connector next to my reciever hitch, but once I put the 4 pin adapter on I have no trailer lights. Also, the black wire with a white tracer that comes out of the back of the 7 pin connector is cut, and spliced to another wire that isn't connected to anything. Should I splice the cut wire back together? The truck at one time had a 5th wheel hitch, and there was another connector in the bed. I removed it when I swapped beds, and although I haven't tried, I don't believe my trailer lights have worked since.

Any ideas?

[Rexter]

the black should be the power supply for a break-away kit. the white wire is the ground, and should be connected to a ground point.

[sgg93]

No white wire that I can see, just a white stripe on a black wire. When I hooked them up to our explorer, my turn signals illuminated all 3 led indicators on the adapter, but no turn signals or tail lights on the trailer. After splicing the black wire back together, I think I'm going to end up re-wiring the trailer.

[Rexter]

verify this on the back of the truck... and i would rewire too. it is cheap and quick.

[Rexter]

here's a good diagram too

[sgg93]

Thank you much, I'll see what I get. I sure hope I don't end up having to take apart the wiring at the back of the truck. It's a rats nest now, lots of splices.

[jesilvas]

Originally Posted by Rexter

verify this on the back of the truck... and i would rewire too. it is cheap and quick.

Originally Posted by Rexter

here's a good diagram too

Just remember there are color differences between 4way and 7ways.

Originally Posted by sgg93

Thank you much, I'll see what I get. I sure hope I don't end up having to take apart the wiring at the back of the truck. It's a rats nest now, lots of splices.

If it's that bad, undo it all, do it all right.

Originally Posted by Rexter

the black should be the power supply for a break-away kit. the white wire is the ground, and should be connected to a ground point.

Not necessarily a break away. Just a 12V charge line to run whatever you want.

[Rexter]

Originally Posted by jesilvas

Just remember there are color differences between 4way and 7ways.

br, gr, yel, wh on a 4pole all correspond to the 7pole for the same circuits


If it's that bad, undo it all, do it all right.

yep


Not necessarily a break away. Just a 12V charge line to run whatever you want.

typical use as most trailers using a 7pole have a break-away.

here's a good link for wiring. colors chart included.

Trailer Wiring Diagrams | etrailer.com

[jesilvas]

4way, 5way
Green - Right
Yellow - Left
White - Ground
Brown - Running Lights

7way
Green - Running Lights
Brown - Right
Red - Left
White - Ground
Blue - Brake
Black - 12V charge line
Yellow/orange - reverse usually

[countryraised]

different mnf can use diferent colors for back-up and 12V power, (some use purple and red)
however these should always be the same for both 4 and 7 wire,
green = right turn/brake
yellow =left turn/brake
white = ground
brown = running lights