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How To Wire Your Car For Trailer Lights
With summer around the corner there will be a lot of people pulling those campers and trailers. Make sure you get those lights wired and working correctly.
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� Part 1: Before You Start
Part 2: Doing The Wiring
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ALLDATA

What you will need:

  1. 12 Volt Test Light
  2. Heavy Duty 12V Flasher
  3. Wire Crimper or Pliers
  4. Trailer Light Connector
  5. Electrical Tape

Before You Start:

Follow these instructions carefully. Read and be sure you understand them before you begin. Gather together all of your tools and supplies before you begin. Allow plenty of time to do the job so you don't have to hurry. Remember that these are general instructions. For more detailed instructions pertaining to your specific vehicle, consult an appropriate repair manual.

Safety is important whenever you're working around machinery. Beware of hot objects, sharp instruments and hazardous materials. Don't substitute tools unless you're sure you won't compromise either your safety or the performance of your vehicle. Never work on a vehicle that is only supported by a jack. Use jack stands to support the vehicle while you work. Work on a solid, level surface. Never jack a car up on dirt or grass.

How To Wire Your Car For Trailer Lights

Wiring your vehicle for trailer lights is easy and only takes a few minutes. Most factory and custom built trailers are wired with a flat 4-wire, quick connect receptacle. There are two basic types of this connector available - a shield type (Figure 1), and the standard type (Figure 2) either of which is compatible with the other. The wires on either type of receptacle are color coded - white, yellow, green and brown. The most common or widely used wiring code is:

How To Wire Your Car For Trailer Lights

  • Brown wire to the tail or parking lights
  • Green wire to right turn signal/stoplight
  • Yellow wire to the left turn signal/stoplight
  • White wire to common or chassis ground

Next page> Doing The Wiring > Page 1, 2

Additional information provided courtesy of ALLDATA

© 2003 Vincent T. Ciulla


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