How To Test 12 Volt Signal On Ford Truck Trailer Connector Without Trailer Connector

Question:

How do you test the 12 volt charge line plug on rear of the truck to see if it is working without it hooked up to the truck ?

asked by: Mark W

Expert Reply:

The 7 Way Trailer Connector Vehicle Tester part # C73NR should work well to test the trailer battery charge line on Ford trucks with the Smart Tow Package because as you mentioned the trailer battery charge line is not active until a trailer is connected and you depress the brake pedal. The 7 Way Trailer Connector Vehicle Tester part # C73NR would then act as if a trailer was connected. That said, if you are having issues with the trailer battery charge line circuit then make sure you have this enabled via the in-dash settings.

If all else fails, take a 12 volt light and wedge each wire into the trailer connector contacts (ground, battery charge) to see if it gets power. If so then you are good to go but if not you may need to be in motion for the trailer battery charge line to wake up.

expert reply by: Conner L