7-pin plug maintenance question

[scooterjm1]

I've been getting intermittent "check trailer wiring" alerts on my dashboard but when I get out and check everything seems to be working normally. I had the truck checked out last week and they said the socket had a lot of corrosion and they replaced it. This didn't fix the problem. I'm assuming there's likely corrosion in the trailer's plug as well. What's the best way to clean it without causing damage or interfering with conductivity? Sorry if this is a dumb question, I'm a complete noob at all things electrical.

Secondly, I believe that the issue may specifically be the brake controller connection. From the attached photo, is there any easy way to identify which one that is so I can give it extra attention?

 

[SpencerPJ]

Ford F150s are notorious for crappy plug-in connections under the bed. Your tow vehicle might be a problem, and grounds often are the problem.

 

[CharlesinGA]

This will help

 

[OldWEB]

Secondly, I believe that the issue may specifically be the brake controller connection. From the attached photo, is there any easy way to identify which one that is so I can give it extra attention?

Some WD-40 or contact cleaner with fine emery cloth, maybe steel wool pieces.... Small pieces to insert into the two-part contact to buff it up will work.
Also, some of those contacts are spread apart too far (I suspect that to be the cause of your troubles), so with a small screwdriver maybe you can push them back together with less spacing?

 

[Domo]

Some WD-40 or contact cleaner with fine emery cloth, maybe steel wool pieces.... Small pieces to insert into the two-part contact to buff it up will work.
Also, some of those contacts are spread apart too far (I suspect that to be the cause of your troubles), so with a small screwdriver maybe you can push them back together with less spacing?

WD-40 will hold dirt - it's okay to use to clean something off as long as you wipe it off thoroughly and then apply the proper protectant/lube/etc.

 

[Domo]

Edited: I just wish I could proofread and spell. Content not changed.

OP should pull the plug and then spray with CRC contact cleaner and lubricant, then plug/unplug several times to break any corrosion and spray again to wash away any debris. To help prevent corrosion apply dielectric grease (100% silicone grease) to the contact - not gobs of it, just a light coating.

 

[scooterjm1]

Thanks everyone! I feel like I now have a handle on what I need to do.

 

[Kirk]

Last resort, a strip of Emory cloth, pushed in with a very thin blade. The picture that you posted shows a very corroded plug so it's easy to believe that it is the problem.

 

[TheBar]

A fingernail emery board is stiff and the right thickness to clean the contacts. It can be cut down to the right width if needed.

 

[DutchmenSport]

A Baking Soda water mix, a paste about the consistency as pancake mix will clean off the connections and crud off of any DC electric connection. You will need to rinse with clean water. When you apply (like with a small paint brush), the corrosion will bubble up like a dog with rabies. That's cleaning the corrosion off and after rinsing will leave the connections nice and shiny. No scrubbing, no scaring the metal, no danger of bending anything doing it this way. This is an old school, time tested, long standing cleaning solution for DC 12 volt battery terminals and connection points and where wires are connected together.

 

[CharlesinGA]

The connector you show is the Bargman type with two fingers in each hole. They look rather spread apart and may need to be closed up somewhat.

RAM trucks use a connector made by Pollak and both RAM and Pollak contend that the two prong Bargman type connectors do not work properly in their receptacles. I personally do not believe this, however I have read of this issue many times on various forums. A Pollak trailer side 7 way connector only has one finger in it vs the two fingers in each of the positions on the Bargman.

Charles

 

[gwinger]

Last resort, a strip of Emory cloth, pushed in with a very thin blade. The picture that you posted shows a very corroded plug so it's easy to believe that it is the problem.

DeOxit D5 contact cleaner and a piece of a brown shopping bag used with the thin blade.
The paper from the bag has enough 'abrasion' to burnish the contacts and the DeOxit will clean and protect the contacts.
One more thing, make sure the is enough slack on the cord so it doesn't pull inside the plug when making turns.
The plugs should have been the twist lock type.

 

[John From Detroit]

DeOxIt comes with a nubber 5 to 100 the hevier the corrosion the higher the number if you can find the strong stuff use it. 100 ismax strength 5 is 5% of max

 

[gwinger]

DeOxIt comes with a nubber 5 to 100 the hevier the corrosion the higher the number if you can find the strong stuff use it. 100 ismax strength 5 is 5% of max

Yes, use D100 and then Shield 100 S5 for even more protection.
I use the shield on connectors on my motorcycle.

 

[Rene T]

Last resort, a strip of Emory cloth, pushed in with a very thin blade. The picture that you posted shows a very corroded plug so it's easy to believe that it is the problem.

Also some of the openings appear to be a little large. I would replace it especially seeing you have a new receptacle

 

[Crisscross]

Some good advice previously given however please do NOT apply dielectric grease before making a connection. It is an insulator and will increase resistance leading to higher current draw and failures.

 

[richclover]

For years boondocking in the Wyoming Range in a wide variety of bad conditions including mud, snow , ice and dust, I would spray off trailer connections with a water hose, then spray on the WD-40. Never had a problem. As always, YMMV.

Happy Trails!

 

[gwinger]

I would never use regular WD40. It attracts dust and dirt. WD does make a electronic cleaner though.
I use Deoxit D5 and DeOxit shield. Both dry with no residual left over oils.

 

[Derby6]

Some good advice previously given however please do NOT apply dielectric grease before making a connection. It is an insulator and will increase resistance leading to higher current draw and failures.

Respectfully disagree.

 

[gwinger]

Respectfully disagree.

Agree to disagree.
It's mainly to prevent seal the connectors. In low voltage applications is can act as an insulator. I worked in electronics most of life and have seen the problem it can cause.
Dielectric grease is a silicone-based, non-conductive lubricant designed to protect electrical components. It acts as an insulator, preventing the flow of electricity while sealing out moisture and contaminants that can cause corrosion and electrical failures.