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Topic Closederratic brake light connection - Event Date: 17 Nov 2014
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Happy Tripping View Drop Down
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Joined: 27 May 2014
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Posts: 473 		Direct Link To This Post Calendar Event: erratic brake light connection
    Posted: 17 Nov 2014 at 12:54pm
7 month old r-pod, used on several multi-hundred mile trips with no problems.

I recently checked my brake lights on setting out and they didn't work, turn signals and emergency blinkers were ok. I wiggled the 7 pin connection and they worked, I didn't recognize any problems on the subsequent 6 hour trip. I don't believe it's a loose wire, it seemed to be a poor electric 'connection'.

Is this 'on again - off again' condition common?

Can I prevent this with some sort of 'lubricant'? One forum member likes 'dilectric grease', but this seems to be messy and for rubber connections, not inside the metal-to-metal of the socket itself.

I am electrically challenged so please keep it simple.

Thanks for any info.
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Posts: 1108 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Nov 2014 at 1:21pm
On my connector the spring loaded cover over the receptacle actually acts as a plug keeper as well. It may be that you are not getting the plug inline and/or the lid in the right position to benefit from the latch (keeper) to keep the receptacle from moving around.   

There is more to the connector than just opening and connecting and pushing the plug in, at least on mine anyway. 

Take a look at the spring loaded lid with the plug in place and see if you can find a spot where the lid supports the plug and keeps it from backing out or shifting. 

Good Luck!
Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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hogone View Drop Down
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Posts: 1042 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Nov 2014 at 1:59pm
i have noticed that on mine on a couple occessions, my brake controller light will go out.  i get mine pushed in all the way, have the spring laoded cover lid on properly; i guess it just wiggles slightly loose.  i now keep a very close eye on it as i do not want to lose my trailer brakes.  hogone
Jon & Pam
2013 RP177
2010 F150
2017 HD Streetglide
2009 HD Lowrider
CHEESEHEAD
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Luv2Q View Drop Down
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Posts: 309 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Nov 2014 at 2:06pm
I noticed a similar problem when we brought our Pod home from Ohio. Turned out to be a sloppy fit where the 7-pin male (trailer) end connected to the female (truck) end.  The spring-loaded keeper was doing its job & keeping the plug from falling out but it was still making a poor connection.  My jury-rigged solution: a heavy rubber band to force the connection to be snug. (And yes, I need to find a better long-term solution Wink )
John & Teri
Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180
E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Nov 2014 at 2:09pm
Worst case you may have to bend the pin in the Bargeman so it makes better contact.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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john in idaho View Drop Down
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Posts: 611 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Nov 2014 at 5:12pm
You could try spraying the plug and receiver with electronic parts cleaner from NAPA. May require a Q tip at the same time.   It dries very quickly… as in 10-15 seconds.  I use it in my antique vehicles when the key switch acts funny, or the starter solenoid sticks.
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podders Helping podders - pHp
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Joined: 19 Nov 2009
Location: Oshawa, Ontario
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Posts: 767 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Nov 2014 at 5:19pm
Originally posted by Happy Tripping

'dilectric grease'

Count me as a second forum member who likes dielectric grease.  Its really not very messy at all.  And, as someone who's had similar connectivity issues, it works very well.

Before you do anything tho, use some emery paper to sand down the terminals on the r-pod's Bargman connector.  Folding a very narrow piece over the end of a flat screwdriver works well.

Then, use a Q-Tip to apply dielectric grease onto the Bargman connector's terminals - push it down in there.  With a paper towel, wipe off any excess that you may get on the rubber.
Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150
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podders Helping podders - pHp
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Joined: 19 Nov 2009
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Posts: 767 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Nov 2014 at 5:28pm
One thing concerns me tho:

brake lights on setting out and they didn't work, turn signals and emergency blinkers were ok.

The brake lights, the turn signals and the emergency blinkers all run through the same two wires (three, if you count the ground to complete the circut) - the 5 and 6 pins.  If your problem is at the connector, then they'd either all work or none work.
Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Nov 2014 at 6:12pm
Good catch Craig, that might mean the problem is related to the trailer light converter.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Podster View Drop Down
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Posts: 1108 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Nov 2014 at 8:13pm
I have seen electrical connections with multiple loads work, but then fail when the greater load (like the break lights) was applied.  
Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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