Towbar electrics

Talk about the 406's electrical system, what wires do what, how to add extra functionality, etc.

Moderator: Moderators

Post Reply
trufflehunt
3.0 24v
Posts: 552
Joined: Sat Aug 25, 2012 9:15 pm
Location: Axbridge, Somerset

Towbar electrics

Post by trufflehunt »

My friend/neighbour has decided that canal boat life is the one for him, and has bought a boat.

I offered to help him trailer some of his stuff. A little while away , I think.
Any way, I've owned the 406 3+ years now, and have never needed to use either of the twin tow sockets.
When I tested both on another neighbour's trailer yesterday, there was not a flicker of any light.

Any suggestions as to anything obvious to check first ?
2006 Toyota Yaris 1.0 T3
1993 Mazda MX5 Mk1 1.6
2000 "W" HDI 110 Executive Saloon (Recycled).
User avatar
Doggy
Mod with a 2.2 HDi, De-Fapped!
Posts: 10710
Joined: Mon Oct 13, 2008 11:49 pm
Location: Northants

Re: Towbar electrics

Post by Doggy »

Assuming all you rear lights work, you can't have any fuses gone.
Possibilities:
1. His trailer / trailer board doesn't work.
2. Your earth connection is the only thing that could stop all the lights working, (centre pin IIRC).
3. These things are famous for intermittent / not working if not used regularly. The pins & receptacles corrode and fail to make contact. (Esp. earth see above).
4. Someone might have disconnected your socket(s) from the car's wiring. (You'd only find out by tracing the cable from the black socket to the rear light wiring).

Keep us posted.....
2002 HDi 2.2 Exec Estate, (2008-12) (wonderful)
2003 HDi 2.2 6-speed Exec Estate (2012-19) (also a gem)
2009 Citroen C5 2.0 HDi VTR+ Estate (godawful heap)
2008 BMW E91 330i touring (great fun - murdered by a reversing SUV)
2007 BMW E91 325i touring (slower smoother quieter)
GingerMagic
3.0 24v
Posts: 3577
Joined: Fri Apr 06, 2012 9:02 pm
Location: Bournemouth

Re: Towbar electrics

Post by GingerMagic »

Hi, inside the trailer/car connector are sort of 'Plus' shapes which get squashed and don't connect properly - stick a flat blade in and prise them open a bit to get a snug fit.... 8)
2003 2.2hdi estate - mine
1998 Volvo 940 auto estate - also mine
2019 Citroen C3 something - the wife's
PP2000 user, can help with faults / diagnostics in the Bournemouth area.
User avatar
lozz
3.0 24v
Posts: 11908
Joined: Thu Oct 07, 2010 10:18 pm
Location: where-ever

Re: Towbar electrics

Post by lozz »

+1
Scotchlocks.

They're nasty cheap things.
trufflehunt
3.0 24v
Posts: 552
Joined: Sat Aug 25, 2012 9:15 pm
Location: Axbridge, Somerset

Re: Towbar electrics

Post by trufflehunt »

Thanks for replies, chaps. I'll check those out.

Have developed a stinking chesty cold. When I shuffled out to the car, opened the boot,
I had sudden urge to return to the couch, and did so.

Normal service to resume, in a day or two, hopefully.
2006 Toyota Yaris 1.0 T3
1993 Mazda MX5 Mk1 1.6
2000 "W" HDI 110 Executive Saloon (Recycled).
User avatar
lozz
3.0 24v
Posts: 11908
Joined: Thu Oct 07, 2010 10:18 pm
Location: where-ever

Re: Towbar electrics

Post by lozz »

I've been ill too.. (Manflu) carnt shift it :(
Post Reply