XSeries-forum

Hi all I'm the owner of a BMW x5 and the 13pin socket won't power the fridge as the pin is missing in the car socket , how can I get around this problem ??? Many thanks Paul

Are you saying the pin is physically missing, or not wired up?

The wiring should match this: (Note Pin 12 is not usually used)

http://uk-trailer-parts.co.uk/wiring-a-13-pin-euro-plug.

If the pin itself is missing then it's either a new connector pin set or single pin needed.

Pin/socket types could be under item 7 here: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=71&fg=10

It's just not there a lot of Bmw don't come with it for some reason if I put power to it would this be ok ??

I can't see why not, as long as it's on a fused connection. Is it a 12v constant live that's missing? As in Pin 9, or the switched one on Pin 10? If it needs a switched one then you ideally should find a switched live in the boot that you can use to drive a 4-pin relay. The feed being switched by the relay can then come off the battery with an in line fuse and it's output terminal connected to the correct pin in the trailer loom. Was this an OEM towbar fit? If it is, then I'm surprised, as I thought they were complete in terms of being wired up.

If you don't use a switched feed then you will find that you're likely to come back to a non-starting car! Not sure how much the ancillaries like the fridge draw, but it could be enough to kill a battery during a motorway services journey 'break'.

But before you break into the loom, also read this trail on XOutpost about being careful when using other wiring. There is a useful PDF in the trail. I came across it a couple of hours after writing the bits above. You might be better off getting a new loom between the tow bar socket and vehicle mounted trailer module.....

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/ ... rness.html

It seems that BMW wiring is not for the faint hearted and can bite even when not expected to do so....

Ha ha ha done it many thanks for the help ! 230683414652

How?

Wired in that switching relay cut on and off as you drive and stop !

Great. Sounds like a simple fix.