Tow vehicle wiring Ford Explorer

[zvilleboater]

I just purchased a 2001 Exp with factory tow from a dealership. It is equipped with factory tow. The previous owner had trailer brakes (screw holes left in driver's side lower dash panel). When I use left turn signal or right signal the signals on the Explorer work fine. On the trailer it's another story. Both trailer sides flash when I use either the left or right signal. i know the trailer wiring is fine as the signals work great on the old tow vehicle.<br /><br />Any tips?

 

[rg33]

Re: Tow vehicle wiring Ford Explorer

With the 4 pin connector inserted, check the first and second pins opposite the ground pin for a short. Do the same on the trailer. Do these checks without voltage. On the trailer, the yellow wire is the left turn/stop signal, ( first pin opposite), and the green wire is the right turn/stop signal ( second pin ).

 

[zvilleboater]

Re: Tow vehicle wiring Ford Explorer

Thanks for the tip rg. Looks like I have a short in the vehicle across green and yellow. I'm guessing I should now look in the lower dash area behind the panel where the trailer brake was mounted?

 

[rg33]

Re: Tow vehicle wiring Ford Explorer

No problem, I have my share of problems too. This is a good website for asking and searching for your boating concerns. Good luck and do not be afraid to ask.

 

[BUBBLES II]

Re: Tow vehicle wiring Ford Explorer

This is an old picture. Here's the schematic, if you can see it. These came with my truck, from Ford. Someone has my camera right now,, or I'd take a better picture. The round thing is a four-pin adapter. Plugs in at the receiver. You can get a five-pin (for electric brakes, reverse cut-out), if you need one, for ten dollars at an auto parts store. The wiring pigtail is for electronic brakes. If your trailer doesn't have electronic brakes, you don't need to use the plug under the dash. Hope this helps.

 

[zvilleboater]

Re: Tow vehicle wiring Ford Explorer

Thanks everyone. I've taken a glance up under the dash. Looks like some questionable work was done there. Very cramped quarters, even with the seat all the way back. What I really need to find is a diagram of the area under the dash if anyone has one. Thanks again!

 

[jtexas]

Re: Tow vehicle wiring Ford Explorer

zvilleboater, welcome to iboats...you've probably figured this out by now but just in case, the trailer wiring harness is plugged in to the vehicle up under the bumper on the drivers side, if you follow the wires you'll see the plug - that adapter is about $14 on www.etrailer.com with any luck that'll be all you need. I take it your trailer don't have the same equip as the prior owner?<br /><br />all else fails, try www.ford-trucks.com - it's a Ford owners' forum, sort of the iboats of trucks.

 

[rg33]

Re: Tow vehicle wiring Ford Explorer

I will concur with jtexas on the ford truck website. I have used it for the three ford trucks I have owned and always had my questions answered.