Ford F-250 12v Circuit on 7 Way Trailer Connector is Not Powering Up Unless Truck Is Running

Published 12/05/2019

Products Featured in This Question

40 Amp In-Line Circuit Breaker - Perpendicular Mount Bracket

(98)

$9.89

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(108)

$1.61

Question:

Hi Guys, Re: 7 Pin Connector While my running lights work on my horse trailer, the interior lights only work when the truck is running but NOT when it is shut down or with the key in the oninch position. Please advise. Thanks,

asked by: George L

Expert Reply:

If your 2016 F-250 has the "smart" tow connector, the 12 volt power circuit on the 7-way has to have the key on to activate. Because of the "smart" tow setup, you have to connect to a trailer and do a setup on the info setup that includes naming the trailer to allow it to be sensed and have the circuit activated when plugged in.

In this case easiest solution is run a 10 gauge wire like part # 10-1-1 through a breaker part # 9510 from the 1:00 pin of the 7-way to the positive post of the truck battery. This will bypass the smart tow setup and allows the lights to function without the key engaged.

Let me know if that fixes the issue. We do have some reports of customers doing all of this and still not having it active.

expert reply by: Erik B