trailer wiring

FORD EXPLORER
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JIMBOB
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I have a 2000 Ford Explorer with 74,000mi. My wiring hookup for towing has never worked. I have tested all of the wires and none of them work. I suspect that one of the connections is simply unplugged but I do not know where to locate them. Where are the locations of the plug-ins for the trailer wiring harness as it travels from the front of the vehicle to the back?
Jan 4, 2007 at 6:07 PM
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HEAVYDUTY
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does it have a trailer light pigtail by the hitch? trace that up to where it plugs in behind the bumper
Jan 14, 2007 at 9:24 PM
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JIMBOB
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the plug originates under the car, and is wired in with the wires for the taillights. It is a plug that had a red cap in it. It is taped in as a factory wired assembly. These wires disappear into the body of the car. So, I cannot follow them any further than where they go into the body.

I was hoping that someone had a dealer quality repair manual. These usually tell you where the various wiring harness connections are made.

I have done some research since my original post and it appears that Ford pre-wires these so that you won't burn out your electrical system when you back a trailer into the water. The entire circuit is separate from the rest of the electrical system and requires plugging in to ground it. If I have a voltmeter, is there any way I can test if this sytem is operational?

If you could tell me how to test the circuit, or where to find the electrical connectors, that would be most useful. Thanks.
Jan 23, 2007 at 6:23 PM
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MBOROKI
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Check the connector connecting the utility trailer from the tow vehicle. Use a screwdriver to pop open the connector on the latching arm.
Feb 26, 2013 at 11:18 AM