05-09-2023, 09:29 AM | #1 |
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Tow Hitch 7pin Tail Light low power?
Seems the green taillight line on the 7 pin of my 2020 X5 with Factory hitch is not outputting enough amperage to power the trailer lights and its backup camera.
Lights come on but can see them flicker slightly. The trailers backup camera powers on and immediately powers off and continues to cycle on and off. I've tried connecting the trailer to a Chevy and a Toyotas' 7pin and trailer lights and backup camera work fine without issue. Anyone experience a similar issue where the output was lacking? thanks |
05-09-2023, 11:58 AM | #3 |
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BMW does list the maximum wattage supported for lights. From the manual:
Trailer tail lights ▷ Turn signals/brake lights: 54 watts per side. ▷ Rear lights: 100 watts in total. ▷ Backup light: 54 watts in total. If you tried to exceed that, not sure what would happen. Those values should be easy to achieve if you're using LED lamps, but might be more problematic if you use incandescent bulbs, or a lot of them. No idea how much the camera circuit and (maybe?) it's wireless transmitter might use. |
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charlie fairmont478.00 GPG5.50 |
05-09-2023, 05:35 PM | #4 |
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Drives: BMW Z4 M40i, BMW X5x40i
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The problem may be the lights draw too little power. LED lights are the typical issue. The BMW fault monitors the circuits for opens as well as shorts. Current draw below the threshold causes it to flicker.
Check etrailer.com. There are several discussions about the subject (it's also an issue on Audis and Mercs.) The solution is to add some load resistors in line to bring the draw up to "correct" levels. I have there 7 pin to 4 pin adapter with built in resistors for small trailers. They have a wire in box to add to the trailer wiring if you're using all the pins.
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2023 Z4 ///M40i Thundernight Metallic/Cognac Vernasca/Moonlight/Shadowline/19" Black 799M/PP/DAP/ACC/HK
2022 X5 xDrive40i Phytonic Blue/Cognac Vernasca/DAPP/LSP/PP/CCP/PAP/20" Style 738/Spare Tire/Trailer Hitch |
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05-15-2023, 08:51 AM | #5 |
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thank you! I ordered Tow-Ready 20142 to hopefully address the issue.
https://www.amazon.com/Tow-Ready-201...s%2C135&sr=8-1 |
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