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Wtf is this in the trailer plug wiring?


Adoom

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The trailer plug isn't working on 2012 Subaru forester. The terminals were rusty, so I replaced the plug. But still no power. This thing is inline in the cable. I'm testing for power on the tail light circuit. Power is not getting through this thing. It wasn't sealed and had some oxidation I cleaned off. 20241003_102756.thumb.jpg.ffd38bdee4911df9c8f4e3ceb1fd8b76.jpgWtf is it? Can I delete it? Car doesn't have LED bulbs if that's what it's for.

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1 hour ago, tortron said:

https://www.gore-research.com.au/trailer-towing-adaptor-modules.html

 

Tldr

 

 

Car sends pulses to.check the bulbs are OK. If the trailer is drawing extra load on the wiring the car might get upset and throw a lighting code

Hmmm, but this doesn't have a separate power wire.

But I guess it must serve the same purpose.

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As far as I can tell. It's not canbus lighting. And it doesn't sense the current to see if a bulb is blown. I think it was just put there by the towbar installer because he assumed. He also didn't know subaru provided a plug in the loom where the factory optional trailer light loom goes so he just hacked into the wiring behind the light. 
I has deleted it.
Discovered brake light bulbs are both gone. Only the high stop light was working. No warning lights anywhere. Wonder how long she's been driving around like that....

  • Haha 2
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Giving claude ai pro a whirl:
 

Given this new information about the components being MOSFETs (BUK2 50Y), the purpose of this circuit board is likely:

  1. Intelligent Trailer Interface: This is a solid-state control module for managing trailer electrical functions.
  2. Load Switching: The MOSFETs act as high-efficiency switches to control various trailer lights and electrical systems.
  3. Signal Amplification: It likely amplifies low-current signals from the car's computer to drive higher-current loads in the trailer.
  4. Circuit Protection: MOSFETs can provide fast, reliable overcurrent protection for both the vehicle and trailer electrical systems.
  5. PWM Control: Possibly enables pulse-width modulation for advanced lighting control or power management.
  6. Multiplexing: Could allow multiple trailer functions to be controlled over fewer wires between vehicle and trailer.
  7. Diagnostic Capabilities: May include features for detecting trailer connection status or lighting faults.

This design represents a more advanced approach to trailer wiring compared to traditional relay-based systems. It offers better efficiency, reliability, and potentially more sophisticated control options for modern vehicle-trailer setups.

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