Troubleshooting 12V Circuit on 7-Way on 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Updated 04/26/2017 | Published 04/25/2017

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Question:

all my trailer lights work well but the 12v light does not light up. My truck is a 2011 1500 silveroado.

asked by: Brian

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like your truck's 7-way works except for the circuit assigned to 12V auxiliary power for the trailer. This is the 12V circuit that would, for example, send power to a trailer-mounted battery to maintain it while you drive. In the RV wiring format this is the circuit carried on the pin at the 1-o-clock position as shown in the linked photo. If you have a circuit tester like # PTW2993 you can test for the 12V signal on the 7-way in case the issue is on the trailer.

This circuit could be inactive due to a missing or blown fuse or relay, to corrosion on the contact or within the interior of the vehicle socket or trailer plug or the circuit could be inactive due to a wiring connection under the hood not being made.

On your truck the ring terminal for the 12-volt power lead for the 7-way trailer connector is located to the left of the power distribution box. It is taped to a wire harness under the power brake booster. Cut the tape to release it from the harness. Then run the wire to the front of the power distribution box and hook the ring on the right post. You can refer to the linked article for help with this connection.

If it is a different situation than what I described above please let me know more details about the power issue.

expert reply by: Adam R