Checking Correct Vehicle Wiring for a 7-Way Connector
Published 09/02/2009
Question:
I just installed the ETBC7 and Tekonsha Voyager brake controller on my 2004 Toyota Tacoma to get ready to pull my sisters trailer this weekend and want to make sure that I have the wiring correct. I hooked it per the instructions, but looking at the diagrams on line, the notch in the receptacle where the trailer connection plugs in seems to be between the ground and electric brakes, but when I check with a multimeter, that notch is between the tail lights and 12V battery. I am hoping that the online diagram is showing a different notch than the one I can see looking at where the trailer plugs in. Looking at the vehicle connector after installation, with the notch in the receptacle at the 12 oclock position and numbering the pins clockwise with 1 at the 1 oclock position, I got the following using a volt meter the negative connected to the chassis ground white wire from connector: Pin number: output 1 12 V from battery 2 Right turn signal blinking +12V 3 12 V I think from the brake controller 4 Ground 5 Left turn signal blinking +12V 6 Tail lights +12V with lights on Center pin has +11V with reverse lights on.
asked by: Tim W
Expert Reply:
I believe that the confusion is caused because the diagrams we offer online as the car end and the trailer end illustrate what the connections look like on the INTERIOR of the plug. If you are looking at the connector on the vehicle, starting to the right of the notch working clockwise, the first pin provides the 12 Volt power from the vehicle battery for any trailer accessories, the second pin is for the right directional/brake light signal, the third is for the brake controller output to the trailer brakes, the fourth is the ground connection, the fifth is the left directional/brake signal and the last pin before you have reached the notch again carries the tail/marker light signal. The center pin is typically used for the reverse lights, but can be used for an auxiliary lead, as well.
Long story short, you have the connector installed correctly. Good Work!
