Troubleshooting Issues with 2012 VW Touareg 7 Pin Trailer Connector

Updated 10/02/2020 | Published 09/30/2020

Products Featured in This Question

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

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$59.44

Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.

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$10.96

7-Way Trailer Adapter for Towing Trailers with LED Lights

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$34.73

7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End

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Question:

2012 Touareg, TDI. When I plug trailer plug in it says check left tail light, I bought a tester, 3 lights flash, when turning on flashers in car, the right turn lights up on tester, but 3 lights in tester flash dim I am stumped Not against buying new stuff just dont know what to buy. Tow Package from factory

asked by: Lonnie A

Expert Reply:

If your trailer or tester utilize LED lights that is likely the issue. The factory 7-way on your 2012 VW Touareg wasn't designed to function with LED's without the adapter # C57003 which has integrated load resistors to allow LED's to not trigger lamp out sensors. This also helps with the emergency flashers.

If your trailer and tester are not LED, then you may have an internal issue with your 7-way and you can use either # A10-7072VP or # HM40975 to replace it. Before replacing, I recommend cleaning the connections with some sand paper as corrosion can cause issues and cleaning the connections to make sure they are bare metal may solve your issue. You can use dielectric grease # 11755 to prevent corrosion in and on your connections.

expert reply by: Jason S