Will an Adapter for LED Lights Make the Trailers Lights Work with a 2013 Audi Q7?

Updated 10/31/2026 | Published 10/29/2026

Products Featured in This Question

7-Way Trailer Adapter for Towing Trailers with LED Lights

(205)

$33.50

Question:

I have a 2013 audi q7 that has the factory tow package when I connect a trailer I have no lights and when I test the pin I only have 1-1.5 volts on the pin. Would the part number 20142 fix my issue?

asked by: Tyler B

Expert Reply:

Hi Tyler,

The Tow Ready Trailer Connector Adapter # 20142 is no longer available, but the Curt 7-Way Trailer Adapter for Towing Trailers with LED Lights Part # C57003 does the same thing by using built-in resistors to mimic the higher draw of incandescent lights.

The adapter could resolve the issue, but because the voltage is testing so low at the pin, I would test the 7-way with a trailer connected in case the Audi doesn't energize the circuits unless a trailer is connected. I'd also double check the ground (no paint under it), that none of the fuses are blown, and that the factory trailer light module works. Sometimes the factory tow module needs to be restarted or recoded by the dealership because it wasn't set up to communicate with the 7-way properly. If anything has damaged the trailer module or the wiring harness that could also be causing the low voltage.

What kind of lights are on your trailer? LED or Incandescent?

expert reply by: Claire H

Tyler B.

10/30/2026

The lights are incandescent. I have the trailer where I can plug into my other truck and the lights work on it and they work just fine but as soon as I plug into the audi I get nothing.

Claire H.

10/30/2026

@TylerB Since the lights are incandescent the adapter wouldn't solve the problem. The resistors simulate the increased draw of incandescent lights for trailers with LED lights because LED lights have a low power draw. Since your trailer has incandescent lights, low power draw isn't the issue. It's likely that the Audi's tow module needs to be reprogrammed by a dealership or that the computer is having an issue. You can also check to see if the fuses are blown or missing, but the fuses are located behind panels so that's something you may want to have the dealership do unless you're comfortable removing them.

John K.

10/31/2026

I would look into why the voltage is so low. That doesn't seem correct in my opinion. I can tell you that the adapter stopped the hyper flashing turn signals with the LEDs on my 2021 DRV Houston Fifth Wheel which I pull with a 2024 Ford F-350 Super Duty Diesel Dually.

Claire H.

10/31/2026

@JohnK The adapter is perfect for set ups like that with trailers that have LED lights, and it's a quick fix which is always nice. I agree about the voltage, it could be so low because of a blown fuse, bad wiring harness, or the module itself failing. Will definitely need some looking into to get it sorted.

Pieper

10/31/2026

The 2 other replies are correct. Also check for a possible water leak from the sun roof drains in the rear could cause the trailer module to fail or corrosion in the wire harness or a loose ground connection.

Claire H.

10/31/2026

@Pieper I didn't think about water from the sunroof draining there! I checked and the drain runs through the same rear panel cavity that the trailer module is in.