Troubleshooting Trailer Lights Not Working with Hopkins 4-Way/7-Way Adapter on 2006 Toyota Sienna
Published 07/01/2019
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Thanks Jon. I figured out the issue. When I test testing the Hopkins adapter while touching the disconnected ground wire and the blade where I was expecting power I was seeing no power. However once I put the Hopkins ground wire on the van again and tested the same blade I had power. So why weren't my trailer lights working? Well eventually I got them all working. I had to unplug and replug the trailer to the Hopkins adapter several times. The result I believe was knocking some grime off of the camper plug and finally getting good contacts all the way through. It didn't look especially dirty, but I believe that was the only problem in my initial setup. Thanks again. If there's a way for me to share this conclusion in the online answer page you set up, please let me know.
asked by: Chris
Expert Reply:
It is always a possibility that an adapter being used is bad but since you are only testing your trailer lights when you're using the Hopkins Adapter # 37185 I recommend making sure the ground on the Hopkins is connected to a clean, bare-metal surface and testing the wiring on your trailer, especially since the Curt T-Connector # C55580 is working properly on your 2006 Toyota Sienna.
If your ground is connected to a clean, bare-metal surface then what you need to do is either connect the trailer to another vehicle with a 7-way that is known to work or take a 12V battery, like what's in your Sienna, and use the positive terminal to test the different pins on the 7-Way (after grounding the negative terminal). I have attached a photo showing which pins should carry which functions on your trailer for you to reference. It would also be helpful to ensure your trailer 7-Way is clean and free of debris and that all of your light grounds on your trailer are connected to clean, bare-metal surfaces as well.
Should you still have issues after all of this then we can likely say that the adapter is bad and needs to be replaced.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Q&A: The Function of the Auxiliary 12-Volt Connection on the 7-Way Trailer Connection
- Q&A: Can I Charge My Trailer Battery Using 7-Way Trailer Connector on Truck
- Q&A: Can An External Battery Connected To The 7 Way Plug Be Used To Supplement A Travel Trailer Battery
- Shop: BOLT brand vehicle and hitch locks
- Shop: Vehicle Seat Covers
- Shop: 40 Amp In-Line Circuit Breaker - Perpendicular Mount Bracket
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Installing Wiring for Vehicle 12V Battery and Trailer Connection to Charge Trailer Battery
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: 4 pin to 7 pin
- Search Results: trailer tongue lock
- Search Results: trailer lock
- Search Results: 7 round ~ blade trailer wiring
- Search Results: brake controller
- Search Results: tekonsha 118827
- Search Results: 7 way wiring harness
- Video: Setting up the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller on a 2019 Toyota Highlander
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Install 7 Way Connector on 2020 Toyota Highlander
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter w/ 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit
- Shop: Curt Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV - 10 Gauge
- Shop: Aluminum Tire Sensors for TireMinder TPMS - Qty 2
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
Chris
7/1/2019
Thanks Jon. I figured out the issue. When I test testing the Hopkins adapter while touching the disconnected ground wire and the blade where I was expecting power I was seeing no power. However once I put the Hopkins ground wire on the van again and tested the same blade I had power. So why weren't my trailer lights working? Well eventually I got them all working. I had to unplug and replug the trailer to the Hopkins adapter several times. The result I believe was knocking some grime off of the camper plug and finally getting good contacts all the way through. It didn't look especially dirty, but I believe that was the only problem in my initial setup. Thanks again. If there's a way for me to share this conclusion in the online answer page you set up, please let me know.