R-pod Owners Forum : erratic brake light connection http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : erratic brake light connection Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 01 May 2026 10:26:15 +0000 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 14:54:05 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=5564 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ erratic brake light connection : Thanks, Outbound, and the others... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54503#54503 Author: Happy Tripping
Subject: 5564
Posted: 25 Nov 2014 at 2:54pm

Thanks, Outbound, and the others too.

As follow up, part of the confusion is that i misunderstood my wife, ALL the lights were out and then working after wiggling so the trailer light converter seems unlikely, thankfully. 

I'm using this experience to start a new thread on checking brake lights.
]]> Tue, 25 Nov 2014 14:54:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54503#54503 erratic brake light connection : Originally posted by headcoldI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54240#54240 Author: Seanl
Subject: 5564
Posted: 18 Nov 2014 at 5:56pm

Originally posted by headcold

I had the same problem as described above. The tail lights and brake lights would flicker as I went down the road. It turned out that my ground was compromised each time I went over even the smallest bumps in the road because the hitch ball mount was rusted and rode loosely (rattled) in the receiver tube.  I sanded down the shaft of the hitch ball mount and shimmed a piece of aluminum sheeting to keep the hitch ball mount tight in the receiver and never had that problem again.


You shouldn't have to do this if you have a good ground wire in your trailer hitch wireing. You should not depend on the ball on your hitch for electrical ground]]> Tue, 18 Nov 2014 17:56:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54240#54240 erratic brake light connection : I had the same problem as described... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54237#54237 Author: headcold
Subject: 5564
Posted: 18 Nov 2014 at 5:40pm

I had the same problem as described above. The tail lights and brake lights would flicker as I went down the road. It turned out that my ground was compromised each time I went over even the smallest bumps in the road because the hitch ball mount was rusted and rode loosely (rattled) in the receiver tube.  I sanded down the shaft of the hitch ball mount and shimmed a piece of aluminum sheeting to keep the hitch ball mount tight in the receiver and never had that problem again.
]]> Tue, 18 Nov 2014 17:40:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54237#54237 erratic brake light connection : Originally posted by hogone outbound;... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54227#54227 Author: Seanl
Subject: 5564
Posted: 18 Nov 2014 at 1:19pm

Originally posted by hogone

outbound; agree, good point.  so what your saying is that if i notice my brake controller light go out, i have likely lost all lights/connections to the pod.....correct?  hogone

On a 4 pin I have had situations where some lights worked and others did not even though they were all fed by the same wires. Turned out to be a ground problem. some lights found an alternative ground like the trailer hitch and you would get a week light but others did not. No lights. 
]]> Tue, 18 Nov 2014 13:19:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54227#54227 erratic brake light connection : When we moved to AZ. I borrowed... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54219#54219 Author: Goose
Subject: 5564
Posted: 18 Nov 2014 at 11:51am

When we moved to AZ. I borrowed my neighbors car hauler for a couple of trips, the 7-way on the trailer was cheaper than the plug on the POD and would not make a constant connection. I had to use the needle nose pliers to bend the brass tabs on the trailer end just a hair at the corners so they bowed to the inside and would make a positive connection to the Jeep. With any of our other trailers I have never had a connection issue. Goose]]> Tue, 18 Nov 2014 11:51:50 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54219#54219 erratic brake light connection : Originally posted by hogone outbound;... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54207#54207 Author: kymooses
Subject: 5564
Posted: 18 Nov 2014 at 9:50am

Originally posted by hogone

outbound; agree, good point.  so what your saying is that if i notice my brake controller light go out, i have likely lost all lights/connections to the pod.....correct?  hogone

Mine has done that in the past, pulled out even in the slightest and I would lose turn signals on one side etc.  Give it a good push back in at the next gas/rest stop and good to go.
]]> Tue, 18 Nov 2014 09:50:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54207#54207 erratic brake light connection : outbound; agree, good point.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54198#54198 Author: hogone
Subject: 5564
Posted: 18 Nov 2014 at 6:19am

outbound; agree, good point.  so what your saying is that if i notice my brake controller light go out, i have likely lost all lights/connections to the pod.....correct?  hogone]]> Tue, 18 Nov 2014 06:19:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54198#54198 erratic brake light connection : I have seen electrical connections... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54190#54190 Author: Podster
Subject: 5564
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.  ]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2014 20:13:50 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54190#54190 erratic brake light connection : Good catch Craig, that might mean... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54177#54177 Author: techntrek
Subject: 5564
Posted: 17 Nov 2014 at 6:12pm

Good catch Craig, that might mean the problem is related to the trailer light converter.]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2014 18:12:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54177#54177 erratic brake light connection : One thing concerns me tho:brake... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54169#54169 Author: Outbound
Subject: 5564
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.



]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2014 17:28:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54169#54169 erratic brake light connection : Originally posted by Happy... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54166#54166 Author: Outbound
Subject: 5564
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.
]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2014 17:19:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54166#54166 erratic brake light connection : You could try spraying the plug... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54164#54164 Author: john in idaho
Subject: 5564
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.]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2014 17:12:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54164#54164 erratic brake light connection : Worst case you may have to bend... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54146#54146 Author: techntrek
Subject: 5564
Posted: 17 Nov 2014 at 2:09pm

Worst case you may have to bend the pin in the Bargeman so it makes better contact.]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2014 14:09:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54146#54146 erratic brake light connection : I noticed a similar problem when... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54144#54144 Author: Luv2Q
Subject: 5564
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 )]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2014 14:06:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54144#54144 erratic brake light connection : i have noticed that on mine... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54143#54143 Author: hogone
Subject: 5564
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]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2014 13:59:54 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54143#54143 erratic brake light connection : On my connector the spring loaded... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54140#54140 Author: Podster
Subject: 5564
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!


]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2014 13:21:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54140#54140 erratic brake light connection : 7 month old r-pod, used on several... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54139#54139 Author: Happy Tripping
Subject: 5564
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.

]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2014 12:54:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5564&PID=54139#54139