13 electrics

[7of9]

Just going over the car before leaving for Lake Garda. I have a volvo V70 fitted with volvo hitch and 13 pin electrics. Two of the leads do not go into the multiplug and are loose in the boot. One is lead 12, which seems not to be used, but the other is lead 11 which in the caravan manual is described as the earth for the ign. controlled live. Should this lead be earthed? Does it affect the fridge on my van, a 2005 Pageant?

Thanks in advance.

 

[rob_jax]

Hi,

As you say, connector 12 is undefined in the ISO 11446 standard - so should not be connected to anything or may be used for a manufacturer specific feature - like a switch sensor to turn off the car rear fog-light.

Connector 11 should be the dedicated heavy duty return for the fridge power supply - and should be connected to the car body work.

If you have a digital multi-meter - clamp one probe onto a good connection on the car body and probe the end of connector 11 - with the meter set on Ohms - If you get a zero resistance, then 11 is already connected to the car body - If you get an infinite resistance, then it's not - and needs connecting

If you aren't happy to DIY this (using the correct ring crimp connector) then ask a tow-bar fitter to do this for you.

Robert

 

[7of9]

Robert,

Many thanks for that. I have checked the lead with a multi meter and it doesn't go anywhere, so I will earth it. During last sumers holiday I had half an idea the fridge wasn't working, now I know why. Not a great problem on short trips, but Garda is a long way!

Gary