7 pin cord failure?

[Mach1tosh]

Plugged in the 7 pin cord to take a trip and got no lights on the trailer.
Fiddled with the ground in the cord, used WD40 on the cord, used compressed air to blow out the recesses in the cord and tested the connector on the truck with a voltage meter which checked out fine.
The only light we got from our efforts was the left signal/brake light, and that was intermittent. Would replacing the cord from the junction box at the front of the trailer likely rectify this?
The trailer is an '04 21FB and all the interior lights and appliances are working fine. We did unplug the 120 volt before plugging in the cord to the TV.
Any ideas?

[Murff]

Same thing happened to us last summer. Turned out that the ground wire in the 7 pin cord had failed. Replaced the cord with a new one.

If you have to do this, open up the junction box and disconnect one wire at a time and connect the new corresponding colored wire. Several of the wires in the junction box will go to one wire on the new cord.

[Seann45]

The other possibility is the pins in the plug have been corroded (maybe due to the battery gassing). Clean them with contact cleaner and if they start to work start putting di-electric grease in the plug end.. that worked for me..

[clubhouse]

Once you get it resolved, or replaced, I would encourage you to consider installing a "plug guard"

http://www.amazon.com/A-P-Products-P...rds=plug+guard

I added this to my TT A-Frame and what a great addition. Its a low cost, low tech, way to prtect the plug from water and dirt when not in use. I simply used a couple small self-tapping screws to install it. Doesn't take much as it is only supporting the 7-way plug when not in use.

[DocBrown]

Originally Posted by clubhouse

Once you get it resolved, or replaced, I would encourage you to consider installing a "plug guard"

Amazon.com: Plug Guard - 7 Way: Automotive

I added this to my TT A-Frame and what a great addition. Its a low cost, low tech, way to prtect the plug from water and dirt when not in use. I simply used a couple small self-tapping screws to install it. Doesn't take much as it is only supporting the 7-way plug when not in use.

Interesting. I just stick the plug under the propane cover.

[Mach1tosh]

So yesterday I set about trying to figure out why we aren't getting trailer lights.
I checked all the fuses in the TV that relate to towing and nothing amiss.
Retested the receptacle on the TV and still showing power at all pins.
Sanded all the connectors in the pigtail, filled the cavities with dielectric grease and plugged it into the TV. Still no lights
Pulled the plug and noticed that the dielectric grease appeared undisturbed by the pins in the TV receptacle.
Looking at the pins I notice that they are off center in the receptacle
So I crawl under the truck and find that part (plastic) of the assembly that holds the receptacle together (plastic) has snapped and the pigtail and pins are not lining up.
So with judicious application of bailing wire and chewing gum I have firmly anchored the receptacle once again and all is working as it should.
Sure wish that manufacturers would use sterner stuff (METAL)when they make things like this.

[Murff]

Good to hear and glad it was an inexpensive repair!

Your "south of the border" neighbor,

Murff

[mike837go]

Originally Posted by Mach1tosh

snip.
Sure wish that manufacturers would use sterner stuff (METAL)when they make things like this.

I totally agree that the automakers should make their trailer connectors of sterner stuff. But unfortunately, a metal socket would tend to short out all of the leads.

If need be, replace the OEM socket with a reputable brand. My 2003 F350 needed a new socket 2 years ago. Surprisingly, the new one fit in the OEM's mount.