Another wiring question, this time with a catch...

[Nigel_SM]

Hi All
I have just fitted a towbar and am in the process of sorting the electrics out.
My '99 Explorer has (or what appears to be) the factory installed tow electrics connector which I found near the spare on the drivers side.

I have searched the net and in some depth, this site but still can't find the answer.
I have found a number of posts about this, and yes, the connector looks like the one you guys have( based on the pics in this link http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=220512 ), trouble is I'm in the UK and mine has 7 wires with different colours.

So far I have figured out black with white stripe is a ground and there are two others that supply +12v when the car lights are on.
All the others are 0v when brakes, turn, fog etc are on.

I have even tried asking the local ford dealer here, still no luck.

On with the questions,
1) Does anyone know what the wires are for (i.e. the colour code and function)?
2) Is it possible I am missing a fuse or relay? if so, does anyone know what?
3) I came across this post http://www.explorerforum.com/Singleton/web/pages/trailerwiring.html

It does mention the 7-pin wiring but the absence of the two pics leaves it somewhat vague.

I know it's long shot but I hope someone can help

Thanks

Nigel

 

[explorerjason]

RE Trailer wiring

Dear Nigel,
I have a UK Explorer with full twin plug UK towing electrics. I will see if I can have a wee look at how it is done. I know that the plug under the bumper is not used, so they are probably wired staight to the back lights. I remember seeing a reference to this under-bumper plug in the owners glove-box manual, I think if referred to it as a trailer power socket. I will look again. That link you found reads fine to me (im an electrician) but is not simple and of course is for the non uk version without separate brake/indicator lamps. the best place to start if you want to use the under-bumper socket is by analysing the wiring diagram, but I dont have a manual for the beast yet (just missed one on e-bay)
regards
Jason

 

[Donner]

Welcome to you both!

Here are the pics I have. I ordered the 7-point harness to replace the 4-point harness. Here is the harness, here is a cut out of where and how they attach, but some of the connectors just don't have power - period. I'm working on that myself...

 

[Nigel_SM]

Thanks for the replies.
I have now wired it up by simply taking the feeds off the rear lights.

[Jason] Good luck with a manual. I bought a haynes manual that covers the UK version. The electric scematic is best described as 'generic as best'

 

[OgreOwner]

If it has 7 prongs then it is probably the same as in the USA. 4 wires feed the lights and the other 3 are ground returns for the relay that isolates the trailer from the vehicle lights.

 

[Yamahauler]

Always follow the function of the wire. This will involve a test light and a helper to turn on the lights, hit the brake pedal, activate the turn signals. Be sure that the ground wire is very solidly attached to the metal part of the frame or you are dead where you stand.