More electrics....

EverySecondCounts
EverySecondCounts Forum Participant Posts: 20

So, I have 2 other threads covering this, but this is specifically related to the electric cable.

When I bought the caravan, there was one cable with 7 pins in it.  Just one (1999 Coachman amara 480/4).

One of you fine folk insisted there must be 2, I've had a look at the manual, and it implies there should be 2 as well.  So, just gone out to the van, got on my knees and lo and behold, undeneath there is a grey cable, with the plug removed, all tied up to the chassis.  wjhy would the previous owner do this?  Too late now, cash is gone so I'm left dealing with it.

If you read my other thread, I suppose it's possible that wiring up only half the pins (the 7 wires on the black cable) is responsible for:

no fog light

no reverse light

headlights switched on includes rearlight + breaklights coming on, breaklight goes off when pedal depressed.

Interesting stuff.....!

Comments

  • EverySecondCounts
    EverySecondCounts Forum Participant Posts: 20
    edited May 2021 #2

     ...but on reflection...

     

    the 13 pin plug I have on the end of the black cable does not have enough space to accomodate the additonal cables from the other grey cable - that is, there are enough pins obviously, but I won't fit nay more wires into the housing, if you see what i mean.

    Looks like i need to purchase:
    a 7 12N socket for the black cable
    a 7 12S socket for the grey cable

    an adaptor for the 12N / 12S set to fit the 13 pins on the car.

     

  • SteveL
    SteveL Club Member Posts: 12,300 ✭✭✭
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited May 2021 #3

    You would be better off putting your existing black and grey cables into a junction box on / in the caravan and coming out with new 13 pin plug cable to a 13 pin plug. No need then for an adaptor.

  • Vulcan
    Vulcan Forum Participant Posts: 670
    edited May 2021 #4

    Agreed, or better stil connect the new 13 core cable to the junction box where the black and grey cables originated. If you want the easy way out use one of THESE.

  • commeyras
    commeyras Forum Participant Posts: 1,853
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2021 #5

     Ah, so you have found the second cable!  Agree with Vulcan's suggestion and especially his easy way out!   Guidance on the wiring can be found on pages 613 and 614 of your Club handbook 21/22  edition.  A bit of a fiddly job but quite straight forward.  You really need to get the wiring sorted before you tow.  Good luck.

  • Vulcan
    Vulcan Forum Participant Posts: 670
    edited May 2021 #6

    You need to determine how your van is wired via the wiring diagram as a changeover relay was introduced in late 98, it depends if it is a 98 or 99 model.

    You might find THIS helpfull.