How do you test that the grey plug at the tow bar is working properly. I parked on a grass verge and when pulling away I took a lump of sod with me which was attached to the back of the wiring kit.
Get a multimeter on Volts dc range and the pin orientation, connect black lead to earth pin and test each pin by connecting the red lead in turn with lights etc turned on.
Alternatively you could use a 12v bulb connected to 2 leads, connect one to earth then test each pin in turn.
Or a caravan dealer can probably plug a test rig into it for you.
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
Some things are quite tedious if you are not sure yourself and /or don't have puropse designed test gear, and in my opinion, this is one of them!
There will be a cost involved, but if you really feel you want it tested, best go to a tow bar fitter and ask then to check it on their test rig. It will only take then seconds and if a repair is required, you are in exactly the right place!
Quote: Originally posted by johnjory on 23/4/2010
Some things are quite tedious if you are not sure yourself and /or don't have puropse designed test gear, and in my opinion, this is one of them!
There will be a cost involved, but if you really feel you want it tested, best go to a tow bar fitter and ask then to check it on their test rig. It will only take then seconds and if a repair is required, you are in exactly the right place!
I think I'll take your advice on that one johnjory. Cheers for replys
Even as an ex-mechanic, and one who has fitted quite a few towbars, best bet may be to get a towbar specialist to plug a test rig to it. The cost shouldn't be too much, and a friendly specialist would probably be happy to point you in the right direction for any DIY repairs. However, when you say the grey plug Michael, you must be referring to the 12S? As advised by others, get the engine running and you should be able to test it OK.
Just got caught out myself with our newly acquired Saab - dealer supplied & fitted a Saab approved bar & twin electrics, 13 pin socket, including programming the car's systems (traction control etc etc) Natch, had to adapt our old Elddis and thought I'd just check the connections. So out with the multimeter - couldn't get any joy at the 13 pin socket only one 12v feed, no lights or indicators. Oh dear I thought... Then decided to wire up the van having bought a nice 13 pin plug, but couldnt get both cables through the collar, so decided to rewire the van later with dedicated 13 core wiring, and got an adaptor. Had to fit new 12N & 12S plugs due to corrosion on the old ones. Plugged it in and hey presto, all working including fridge & charging. Seems that all the circuits need to be connected for it all to work. (probably a bit like computors) Object lesson for me and I guess many others. Also BTW the Saab is a brilliant bit of kit with regard to towing electrics - behind a panel in the boot is a mass of towing trickery fitted at the factory.
Further to my post on 25th, I am now of the opinion that the battery is possibly not being charged from the car. While I was checking the fridge, with the engine running, I flicked the changeover switch to 'car' and the voltmeter chowed a nice healthy reading, but when I seleceted 'caravan' it was down a bit. Now thinking that it is not being charged (will connect the car up again later after I wash the 'van to check again) Our unit is an Elddis 1995 therefore does not have the clever relay in it to give both fridge and charge from the same source (I have been doing much research and head-scratching last couple of days)
Dilemma - do I partly rewire the 'van, or carry on for now (we always have hook-up on site and can charge the battery at home to ensure it is always OK to use the mover)? It is quite possible that OH will OK a later 'van (now we have a more powerful car) as she really likes the idea of a seperate shower. If I do decide to do a partial rewire, I will obviously need to advise any prospective purchaser or dealer of the change made.
Pete
Quote: While I was checking the fridge, with the engine running, I flicked the changeover switch to 'car' and the voltmeter chowed a nice healthy reading, but when I seleceted 'caravan' it was down a bit.
That's normal behaviour isn't it? On "car" it will be getting the 14V the alternator puts out but on "caravan" it will just get the 12V from the leisure battery. If it wasn't charging you wouldn't get a higher voltage on "car".
Quote: Originally posted by RichardB52 on 09/5/2010
That's normal behaviour isn't it? On "car" it will be getting the 14V the alternator puts out but on "caravan" it will just get the 12V from the leisure battery. If it wasn't charging you wouldn't get a higher voltage on "car".
Yes, but in our case, the 'van being pre-98, there was no relay in it to enable the live feed (for caravan lights)to charge the battery when energised from the fridge circuit. There is now; all is working fine.
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Topic: Testing the Grey Plug
