7-pin plug maintenance question

[Lou Schneider]

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.

Usually the friction of inserting the plug breaks through the insulating layer, allowing direct metal to metal contact.

 

[Derby6]

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.

I'm kinda confused. What you just posted says it protects electrical components. And trailer connectors are listed as a good use.

"Although the dielectric grease does insulate the metal and wiring from external invaders, the contacts are tight enough to still maintain a connection, the grease is just displaced"

 

[gwinger]

I'm kinda confused. What you just posted says it protects electrical components. And trailer connectors are listed as a good use.

"Although the dielectric grease does insulate the metal and wiring from external invaders, the contacts are tight enough to still maintain a connection, the grease is just displaced"

What I posted say it protects electrical components. Mainly from moisture.
It stops electrical leakage and is an insulator.
The second quote is not from me.
In the "olden' days it was used on spark plug boots and distributor caps to prevent arcing.
I can be used on O rings on connectors to stop moisture from entering or to seal high voltage connections.
One problem with it it attracts and hold dust and dirt. Not good for trailer connectors.
I mentioned DeOxit because it clean and protects the terminal from oxidizing.
It is not oily or greasy.

 

[Don C1]

Do you have solar on your trailer? I have a 2024 GMC Sierra HD2500 that I received a recall letter on regarding "Check Trailer Wiring". Trailer module was replaced because the solar on my trailer was showing a higher charge on the trailer batteries than what the trailer module thought should be. Recall letter stated to disable solar while driving until module could be replaced.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I mentioned DeOxit because it clean and protects the terminal from oxidizing.
It is not oily or greasy.

DeOxit has the same potential drawback as a dielectric grease - it's non-conductive. If you put DeOxit on the prongs of a connector before joining it to its mate, there is a [very small] risk it will insulate one from the other. That occurs only if the fit is loose, i.e. no friction to squeeze the DeOxit out of the electrical path.

It's worthwhile noting that a fit that is sloppy enough to let DeOxit or any dielectric grease to become an insulator is likely to be problematic anyway. The mating parts of any connector needs to be a relatively tight fit so the they stay firmly in contact with each other. Otherwise the connection is at risk for intermittent contact, arcing, and the build-up of oxidation and dirt.

My personal recommendation is to go ahead and use a dielectric type sealing product on any exposed connector. The benefits far outweigh the very slight risk of a problem. I've used DeOxit on marine electrics for decades with excellent results, even in a salt water environment.

 

[Kirk]

Usually the friction of inserting the plug breaks through the insulating layer, allowing direct metal to metal contact.

The key word here is "usually." DeoxIT is a specialized contact cleaner designed to enhance the reliability of electrical connections. It works by dissolving oxidation and sulfides that form on metal surfaces, restoring contact integrity and leaving a protective layer that improves conductivity. I have used it and would again but I have learned the hard way that grease type of products cause as many problems as they prevent, especially in low voltage use.

 

[richclover]

What I posted say it protects electrical components. Mainly from moisture.
It stops electrical leakage and is an insulator.
The second quote is not from me.
In the "olden' days it was used on spark plug boots and distributor caps to prevent arcing.
I can be used on O rings on connectors to stop moisture from entering or to seal high voltage connections.
One problem with it it attracts and hold dust and dirt. Not good for trailer connectors.
I mentioned DeOxit because it clean and protects the terminal from oxidizing.
It is not oily or greasy.

Dielectric grease is commonly used, in fact recommended, on electrical fittings on UTV and ATV off road vehicles. Not inside the plugs on contacts, but on the boots, o-rings, and outside the connectors to seal against water and dirt intrusion. It works well for that purpose.

For my 7-pin trailer plugs over many years I stand by my humble experience using plain ole WD-40…

 

[Old Blevins]

If you still have this problem... I see you're towing with a 2024 Silverado 1500. I had the same problem and it started when I switched from my old truck to my new 2024 Silverado 3500. I replaced the plug/pigtail and it didn't help. It stopped when I took the truck in to the dealer for some recall repairs. I believe they replaced the Trailer Brake Power Module.

 

[gwinger]

If you still have this problem... I see you're towing with a 2024 Silverado 1500. I had the same problem and it started when I switched from my old truck to my new 2024 Silverado 3500. I replaced the plug/pigtail and it didn't help. It stopped when I took the truck in to the dealer for some recall repairs. I believe they replaced the Trailer Brake Power Module.

The newer Chevy's use PWM (pulse width modulation) supplying the 12 volts.
It's actually a way to regulate the voltage.
PWM is one way to dim LED lights. It pulses the DC and never allow a steady 12 volts, thus making the LED 'blink'.
Adjusting the length of the pulse rate with a PWM contoller, adjusts the brightness.
Some circuits do not play well with PWM. GM issued a TSB about this.