Towbar socket

hobey

Subject:

Towbar socket

· Posted: 11.08.2013 · #1

Hi Craicers. I'm looking for some help please. Background story first!
On the way to Rosses Point last week, a kind traveller on the M18 was waving energetically at me as she passed by. I figured I had a problem as SWMBO was sitting beside me

Anyway, I pulled over to check and saw my towbar plug (didn't know I had it) trailing on the ground. As a result my Indicators and Brake lights are not working properly. Please can someone advise where I can get this repaired in the Clare/Limerick area. Thanks.
BTW, I didn't see any vans with Craic window stickers in the 3 days I was in Sligo/Enniskillen!!

bmurphy9

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Re: Towbar socket

· Posted: 12.08.2013 · #2

Hi there,
Was it your towbar plug - or towbar socket was trailing on the ground?? Were you towing a trailer and forgot to plug in the plug?
Either was its a fairly simple fix - if you go to any motorfactors you can purchase a plug or socket and on the packets that these come in usually the wiring diagram is printed. All you will need is a couple of screwdrivers (or just one)

http://www.watling-towbars.co….wbars.html

Hope this is of some help to you.

Regards,

Brian

heanorboy

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Re: Towbar socket

· Posted: 12.08.2013 · #3

Brian has it spot on the repair is simple and the packets always come with a colour coded wiring instructions.

There are however THREE types of Plugs/sockets so if you are going to replace make sure that you get the right one
1. Should have a black outer sleeve and have 7 wires inside the sleeve. This is known as a 7N
2. Should have a grey outer sleeve again have 7 wires inside the sleeve. This is known as a 7S,( it is unlikely to be this one as it does contain connection to the lighting system)
3. If you have a "new type" of towing electrics. this replaces both the 7N and 7S with a 13pin unit
so the sleeve will have 13 wires in it.
By the way at least one wire will be a permanent live so best to disconnect the battery before starting the repair/replacement.
As a temp repair or if you will not be towing simply cut off the cable mask each wire and then tape together and stash it securely out of sight, but try and leave enough cable so that it could be connected at a later date, again disconnect the battery before starting.

I am guessing the reason the lights don't work is because the frayed wires have shorted and blown the fuses again a nice easy fix
David

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Re: Towbar socket

· Posted: 12.08.2013 · #4

Unfortunately the 13 pin sockets are part of the mot tests in northern Ireland atm, testing for continuity. Apparently as long as the lid is closed they are not allowed to access it. But if the lid is off they can test it. Probably an old wives tale.

CHAUSSON

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Re: Towbar socket

· Posted: 12.08.2013 · #5

If you disconnect the Battery you will loose your radio code! Do you know the code to reactivate your Radio?

heanorboy

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Re: Towbar socket

· Posted: 12.08.2013 · #6

Good point re the MOT
From what I understand the 7 pin system is checked for being fixed to the vehicle correctly and signs of wear but not that it works correctly
The 13 pin is checked by attaching a "special testing unit" into the socket
There will be a MOT failure if the electrics on the 13pin do not operate correctly.
The 13 pin came into being in 2008 so if the electrics were fitted after that date most likely you will have the 7 pin system.
As you don't have to have electrics with a tow bar if you havnt got a socket they cant test it, hence my suggestion to fully tape it up and securely fix to something, they cannot test something that isn't connected.

As for me when I had electrics fitted recently I had the 2 x 7 pin system and use an adaptor to a 13 pin caravan and the 7 pin for my trailor so not subject to the test.

Oh and don't forget the fittings for the towbar are now part of the MOT.

These rules should be the same in Ireland as the rules were changed in the UK to comply with those of other EU countries

hobey

Subject:

Re: Towbar socket

· Posted: 13.08.2013 · #7

Thanks Guys for all the replies. Apologies, it is a SOCKET that was under the van. I don't have a towbar at all. So if I separate each wire and tape the ends and then change relevant fuses, all will be Ok? Thanks again..........Hobey

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