Thread: Trailer light blinking

Hi brains trust,

While we're talking about led load resistors and using them to get the car to register that a trailer is attached... I'm wondering if anyone has ever wired them into the trailer running lights rather than the indicators. I always have my running lights on so was thinking that allow me to get away with just the one set of load resistors.

Also for my education, if the resistors are connected to the indicators, do you have to use the indicators first to get the car to register the trailer?

Cheers

Originally Posted by glenn20869

Hi brains trust,

While we're talking about led load resistors and using them to get the car to register that a trailer is attached... I'm wondering if anyone has ever wired them into the trailer running lights rather than the indicators. I always have my running lights on so was thinking that allow me to get away with just the one set of load resistors.

Also for my education, if the resistors are connected to the indicators, do you have to use the indicators first to get the car to register the trailer?

Cheers

Howdy,

If you have a D4, you only need one resistor - pick your favourite indicator, and add to that circuit . No idea if adding to the running lights will work.

I believe the system does a test when you open the driver door, but not certain. I tend to use the indicators right after connecting anyway, as a check to make sure the trailer lights are working correctly.

Originally Posted by glenn20869

Hi brains trust,

While we're talking about led load resistors and using them to get the car to register that a trailer is attached... I'm wondering if anyone has ever wired them into the trailer running lights rather than the indicators. I always have my running lights on so was thinking that allow me to get away with just the one set of load resistors.

Also for my education, if the resistors are connected to the indicators, do you have to use the indicators first to get the car to register the trailer?

Cheers

It has to be on the indicator circuit(s).

As Veebs said to get the D4 to recognise a trailer is attached only one resistor is required, but if you want the dash trailer symbol to flash when you indicate you need two resistors. One on each of the trailer indicator circuits.

Originally Posted by glenn20869

Hi brains trust,

While we're talking about led load resistors and using them to get the car to register that a trailer is attached... I'm wondering if anyone has ever wired them into the trailer running lights rather than the indicators. I always have my running lights on so was thinking that allow me to get away with just the one set of load resistors.

Also for my education, if the resistors are connected to the indicators, do you have to use the indicators first to get the car to register the trailer?

Cheers

I made a small dongle that contains 2 load resistors. When the van is plugged in the 12 pin flat, I plug the dongle in the now unused 12N round socket. Small length of appropriate size poly pipe, a 12N plug and resistors wired up. Been using this system for 6 years.
LED Fix1.jpg

Originally Posted by Briar

I made a small dongle that contains 2 load resistors. When the van is plugged in the 12 pin flat, I plug the dongle in the now unused 12N round socket. Small length of appropriate size poly pipe, a 12N plug and resistors wired up. Been using this system for 6 years.
LED Fix1.jpg

It may just look bigger because it’s black, but I’m suddenly feeling rather self conscious having seen your ‘small dongle’

Originally Posted by veebs

It may just look bigger because it’s black, but I’m suddenly feeling rather self conscious having seen your ‘small dongle’

It is 6", really.

Originally Posted by Briar

It is 6", really.

Measured from the end or the base of the socket?

Originally Posted by BradC

Measured from the end or the base of the socket?

OK, Brad, lol. I was trying to enter into the spirit of the gag.

It's actually 7" long, but not trying to brag.

170mm to be exact, total length. Easy to make. The poly pipe (from bunnings) is a perfect fit to attach to the 12N plug, I had to put a little slit on one side of the poly pipe as I put the load resistors back to back in the poly. Makes the dongle shorter than it otherwise would have been. Just wrap the whole lot in electrical tape.

Dongle 1.jpgDongle 2.jpg