Why Does a 6-Way to 4-Way Adapter Only have 4 Contacts

Updated 06/16/2014 | Published 06/15/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Adapter 6-Pole to 4-Pole with Built-In LED Tester and Cover

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$10.83

Pollak 7 Pole to 4 Way Connector Adapter

(1061)

$7.78

Pollak 6 Pole to 4 Pole Connector Adapter

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$12.93

Question:

I noticed that the 6 pin to 4 flat adapter has no copper in the middle 12V location as in a 6 pin connector. Is that because none is needed? I at a bit confused on this. Please explain. I have a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a Pollck 6 pin connector.

asked by: Michael

Expert Reply:

An adapter such as # 37325 or # PK12717 will only have the necessary pins required by the 4-Way end. These are the basic lighting functions; left/right turn signals, brake lights, and running lights. And the 4th is the ground (the turn signals and brake lights are combined on the same circuit for each side of the trailer).

A trailer that uses a 4-Way flat connector does not have the other functions on a 6-Way. If the connector on your 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee is factory then it is likely actually a 7-Way blade style connector and not a 6-Way round pin connector. If so you would need a different adapter, # PK12716.

expert reply by: Michael H