Buzzer question

HDAV · 09 June 2016, 23:40

Somehow I managed to rip half the connectors out of the plug on the lightboard, ( the one that connects to the socket on the car) so cut them all off and re terminated them, all the lights work great but the buzzer seems to have stopped?
A: is it a "requirement"?

B: what am I missing?

C: what do I need to do?

whisper · 10 June 2016, 01:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDAV

Somehow I managed to rip half the connectors out of the plug on the lightboard, ( the one that connects to the socket on the car) so cut them all off and re terminated them, all the lights work great but the buzzer seems to have stopped?
A: is it a "requirement"?

B: what am I missing?

C: what do I need to do?

You mean the buzzer inside your car? If so you may have blown a fuse?

mick · 10 June 2016, 07:16

Presume you mean for the indicators does it tell you on the dash if there working

Trailer Guy · 10 June 2016, 08:25

It is a legal requirement? Yes (or as stated above - a visible indication, usually on the dash).

Would anyone ever pull you up on it?... Unlikely

Despite towbars being part of your MOT nowadays, the electrics aren't checked (other than a visual inspection of the socketry, wiring and towbar mounting points etc), so again this shouldn't be an issue.

However, all that said, I do like to see that my indicators are working, when I'm towing

Requiring the plug shouldn't have affected the vehicle electrics. Open up the plug again and just check you've got it wired correctly.

Indicators are:

Pin 1 Yellow left indicator
Pin 4 Green right indicator

Trailer Guy · 10 June 2016, 08:27

Requiring? Bloomin autocorrect. Rewiring...

HDAV · 10 June 2016, 09:30

I'll check fuses I'm 99% wired properly (did get it wrong first time but checked now and all fine lights wise just no buzzer in car

matt h · 10 June 2016, 14:24

You can check the buzzer with a buzzer. If the buzzer doesnt work then i suggest you need a new buzzer or swap the buzzer with the other buzzer and see if that works.

paintman · 10 June 2016, 18:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trailer Guy

It is a legal requirement? Yes (or as stated above - a visible indication, usually on the dash).

Would anyone ever pull you up on it?... Unlikely

Despite towbars being part of your MOT nowadays, the electrics aren't checked (other than a visual inspection of the socketry, wiring and towbar mounting points etc), so again this shouldn't be an issue.

However, all that said, I do like to see that my indicators are working, when I'm towing

Requiring the plug shouldn't have affected the vehicle electrics. Open up the plug again and just check you've got it wired correctly.

Indicators are:

Pin 1 Yellow left indicator
Pin 4 Green right indicator

I stand to be corrected, but my understanding is that a vehicle fitted with the Euro 13 pin connector IS tested electrically but those with the older 12N and 12S sockets are only subject to the visual inspection you mention.
My own car is 12N/12S & has a trailer indicator icon on the dash which flashes when a trailer is attached.

ShinyShoe · 10 June 2016, 19:25

My car is factory fit trailer and has no dash indication trailer fitted (Euro 13 pin) but has CAN Bus so indication of trailer bulb failure...

...Told its all legal.

Poly · 10 June 2016, 19:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShinyShoe

My car is factory fit trailer and has no dash indication trailer fitted (Euro 13 pin) but has CAN Bus so indication of trailer bulb failure...

...Told its all legal.

does it have a buzzer though when indicating with trailer? it should have EITHER a buzzer and/or a dashboard trailer warning light.

HDAV · 10 June 2016, 19:35

Think mine is can bus and only has buzzer to let you know trailer is there

Trailer Guy · 10 June 2016, 20:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by paintman

I stand to be corrected, but my understanding is that a vehicle fitted with the Euro 13 pin connector IS tested electrically but those with the older 12N and 12S sockets are only subject to the visual inspection you mention. My own car is 12N/12S & has a trailer indicator icon on the dash which flashes when a trailer is attached.

Evening. You're absolutely right about the 13pin, but the OP didn't specify and I'm old school, so assumed 7pin. Apologies if my post confused anyone.

HDAV · 10 June 2016, 20:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trailer Guy

Evening. You're absolutely right about the 13pin, but the OP didn't specify and I'm old school, so assumed 7pin. Apologies if my post confused anyone.

7pin for me so your assumption was spot on.

69cmw · 10 June 2016, 21:14

Both my cars have factory fit towbar,s with 13 pin sockets, none of them have an indicator/buzzer when indicating, but they both have a warning light when any of the tailboard lights don't work.

ShinyShoe · 10 June 2016, 21:47

Nope. No buzzer.

Neither of my last 2 installs have done. And both times I've been told because it has the light failure device it doesn't need a trailer light by two different installers. Current install is definitely factory fit (well actually dealer fit using factory kit). Previous one certainly claimed to be dealer supplied parts but was done by a tow bar company.

I agree with you the purpose of the buzzer or light is to remind you you have a trailer attached not just to prove the lights are working.

Poly · 10 June 2016, 22:30

OK - I've checked the book of rules, and it seems that activating the vehicle's canbus warning is all that is required (in fact the internet suggests it is probably more ok than the buzzer as simple trailer electrics stop the car "flash twice as fast" warning operating on the car).

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShinyShoe

I agree with you the purpose of the buzzer or light is to remind you you have a trailer attached not just to prove the lights are working.

You agree with who? The big shiny things that let you see behind you are there to remind you there is a trailer behind.

ShinyShoe · 10 June 2016, 23:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

You agree with who? The big shiny things that let you see behind you are there to remind you there is a trailer behind.

I was agreeing with you... ...it can happen!

I have a trailer that is so small I can't see it in any of my three shiny things.

The CanBus does work better than a buzzer for lighting failure as it works on any light not just turn indicators. So I know my brake lights have failed... that might be kinda important.