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Subject Topic: Towbar electrics trouble shooting Post Reply Post New Topic
Personandyd71
14/4/2015 at 9:29am
 Location: Pontyclun
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update and question on my towbar issues ( trying to trouble shoot as auto electricians are like rocking horse **** in my area)

to recap I don't have any side lights on my van when running off my car, but I dowhen running off other cars

plus one of my rear lights goes out when I plug in , but come back on when I un plug ( and vice versa other vans lights dead off on my car)

all other lights work

QUESTION:

I have recently changed the rear lights/brake light bulbs for the pothole resistant ones from Halfords allegedley the same Voltage and wattage, would this be a possible reason?

Not 100% sure that I had lights before I changed bulbs as only run in the day

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Matlock (in T5)
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PersonMotobiman
14/4/2015 at 9:32am
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That sounds like an earth issue on the car light that goes out but I would try it with standard bulbs first.


PersonGrampian91
14/4/2015 at 11:19am
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The bulbs will only be an issue if you have fitted one incorrectly.

Fitted a single bulb in a twin socket?

Get yourself a plug in tester, They are fairly cheap approx £10.

this is a 7 pin one.

Towbar wiring tester


moorlander999
15/4/2015 at 6:45pm
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Put the old bulbs back and re test first...


If ok, then it's your new bulbs.

Check as above that you have fitted the correct bulbs...


Then test the socket on your tow bar.....it may look ok but could have a dirty connection inside...

I buggered about with mine last year and in the end just put a new one on for £4


Personalbee
19/4/2015 at 10:07pm
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Hi, sounds like bad earth connection where 7 core cable,s white cable is connected to car earth. remake this and Iam sure it will be sorted. Bet its been done with a scotch lok connector they are frequently trouble


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Personandyd71
24/4/2015 at 12:50pm
 Location: Pontyclun
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another update

ran a light board on there last night and all good back to 2 different vans same issue

Finally got an Answer its the CANBUS on the car shutting the lights down as a protection as its feeling too big a draw.

solutions

1) rip out the 12s and 12n both wired through a brand new 13 plug) I have in place try a new dedicated 13 (with no guarantee it'll work and £250 )

2) take out the bulbs from the car running lights all fine on van

3) take a few of the pretty bulbs out of the van ( front running lights and high red lights ) and the full car lights are fine


AAARRRRRGGGHHHH




-------------
2022
North and West wales grand tour (in T5)
Matlock (in T5)
New forest and IOW (in T5)
New Forest
La tranche sur mer
jevea (Valencia)
2023
Cotswolds
Tenby
(added a Compass Rallye to crew)
Royan
La tranche Sur Mer
2024
royan
La tranche

'Wyrd bith ful araed-Fate will out'


PersonGreendemon315
24/4/2015 at 2:43pm
 Location: Blackburn Lancashire
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I'm pretty sure front lights are required by law on caravans.
Dedicated electrics are always the answer.

Jim


Personandyd71
24/4/2015 at 3:21pm
 Location: Pontyclun
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Just found that out you also need the high level bulbs as I'm over 6m

which is a real shame since

just pulled the bulbs on the front lights and all the others work ok now !!!!

the towbar fitter is not convinced a dedicated 13 loom will help as that is what i've got for the 12n

I'm really back at square one

-------------
2022
North and West wales grand tour (in T5)
Matlock (in T5)
New forest and IOW (in T5)
New Forest
La tranche sur mer
jevea (Valencia)
2023
Cotswolds
Tenby
(added a Compass Rallye to crew)
Royan
La tranche Sur Mer
2024
royan
La tranche

'Wyrd bith ful araed-Fate will out'


Personnaturlist123
24/4/2015 at 5:44pm
 Location: Southport
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Andy 71 you need your engine management box set up by main dealer for towing or a garage which is capable of doing same its a built in safety feature so you cannot overload. some tow bar fitters can do but others are still working on 6" nails for fuses.
If buying new car and you tell dealer you intend to tow they will reprogram for towing, As well as trying to sell you expensive tow bar
Some cars like land rovers etc come ready set up as they are usually bought to tow.


moorlander999
25/4/2015 at 11:40pm
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Just noted in your post the word CANBUS...

I would go along with the last poster and either go to your nearest main dealer or a very good auto electrician to get your cars management unit / CANBUS system programmed to accept your trailer / caravan etc

My wife had an Evoke lease car ( ok, so it was a Friday afternoon special based on the old British Leyland principles where nothing worked etc or fell apart when touched etc ) but we had to get it re programmed to enable it to pull a trailer with a powered tipping facility otherwise all the lights came on the dash and it refused to move .

Hope all goes well, and ps the evoke is no more !!



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