Trailer light plug - strange behaviour
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 689
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Trailer light plug - strange behaviour
I have a 7 pin plug connected to a light that illuminates my rear license plate (relocated to back of bike rack so it can be seen.
I wired the light in sam way as the running lights of a trailer would be connected. They should come on when the car lights are on.
The light does work when the car lights are on. But when the car is totally turned off, locked and parked, the plate light flickers on and off. There should be no power to the light socket.
I double checked the wiring for the light and it is correct. Just two wires connected to pins 3 & 1 as per this
https://www.google.com/search?q=7+pi...igy%2F;620;420
I wired the light in sam way as the running lights of a trailer would be connected. They should come on when the car lights are on.
The light does work when the car lights are on. But when the car is totally turned off, locked and parked, the plate light flickers on and off. There should be no power to the light socket.
I double checked the wiring for the light and it is correct. Just two wires connected to pins 3 & 1 as per this
https://www.google.com/search?q=7+pi...igy%2F;620;420
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 1,117
A gaggle of MB's
I am not a "expert" - but I suspect the the low resistance of that install is causing the Can Bus to get confused whether there is a load there or not - especially if that bracket light is LED.
If what I suspect is the case, then a "60 ohm load resistor" properly installed (like a $11 thing) "could" take care of that for you.
You can check with your dealer - and/or with your dealer's outside contractor hitch guy - before moving forward with that easy mod..
If what I suspect is the case, then a "60 ohm load resistor" properly installed (like a $11 thing) "could" take care of that for you.
You can check with your dealer - and/or with your dealer's outside contractor hitch guy - before moving forward with that easy mod..
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 689
Likes: 30
I did a web search, and found several similar cases. Seems it is the led light that is most likely culprit.
For now, i will just unplug light when parked. I think i have an incandescent light at home, that i will try.
For now, i will just unplug light when parked. I think i have an incandescent light at home, that i will try.
