Ford transit connect - trailer light issues

PROJECT K

Hi all, have a 2011 ford transit connect t200 - when I connect trailer lights and select the indicators, they blink a few times then stop, eventually get engine error light on dash and/or indicator bulb failure message. When I disconnect trailer lights and restart the van, lights on van are all ok again - think I read somewhere that theres no separate fuse for lights but a control module that resets itself when the ignition is restarted...have checked the wiring at the sockets and all seems ok (7pin)
Cheers
PK

s14driftking

Is there led lights on the trailer. If so u might need resistors wired into the wiringbon the trailer.

PROJECT K

no led lights...just standard/halogen

PROJECT K

ok so same van has run the battery down twice in the last 4 months, only being driven occasionally...is this connected or separate issue...?!

punisher5112

PROJECT K wrote: »

ok so same van has run the battery down twice in the last 4 months, only being driven occasionally...is this connected or separate issue...?!

If it has an alarm it will drain quicker.

Only used seldom wouldn't do it any favours.

Was the bulb issue solved?

Is there water in bulb housing or damp connections check all those.

PROJECT K

no alarm on it, bulb issue still not sorted...will check connections more thoroughly and see if any dampness but nothing obvious...

mullingar

Sounds like its going into a protection mode with over current on light circuit caused by the extra lights.

You need to have a trailer light relay box fitted

PROJECT K

thanks Mullingar, excuse my ignorance but is this fitted to the van or trailer?

Stephenc66

OP is the socket on the van factory fit? Can you access another trailer or light board to check and see if the same problem occurs?

punisher5112

PROJECT K wrote: »

thanks Mullingar, excuse my ignorance but is this fitted to the van or trailer?

It should be at the rear where connection are done behind bumper.

mullingar

PROJECT K wrote: »

thanks Mullingar, excuse my ignorance but is this fitted to the van or trailer?

It should be fitted to all modern vans/cars to avoid any electrical gremlins like you are experiencing.

This is just a glorified box with multiple relays that connects to each light feed, but does not take any current draw from the existing lighting system to avoid any over-current detection system in the car's lighting system being detected.. But it must get its own dedicated feed from the battery.

Factory fitted towbars would have this.

Cheaply fitted non-dealer network might skimp on this relay box.


Here is one aftermarket unit:

http://www.uk-trailer-parts.co.uk/7-way-universal-bypass-relay-wiring-diagram/

PROJECT K

Stephenc66 wrote: »

OP is the socket on the van factory fit? Can you access another trailer or light board to check and see if the same problem occurs?

no was fitted by the dealer, he plugged it into a test kit and said the socket is fine...not entirely convinced though as I have tried with another van with no issue (slightly older model - 2009)

mullingar

Dealers don't necessarily fit genuine tow bars and relay kits.

Trace the wires to see if they go directly to the tail lights or via a relay box.

Those testing kits only confirm the pins are wired to the correct light, they may not do a full current load test of which I think your problem lies.