trailer lights,again

X5Flyboy · #1 08-16-2006, 01:22 PM

Hooked up a Uhaul trailer for the second time. And I still have my blinkers at triple time (after 1 or 2 'normal' blinks when 1st hooked up) Took it in to the BMW dealer who installed it. Tried a different adapter plug, still NG. Had them replace the hitch electrical box, still NG. Now the problem goes to BMW for what to do. Would really like to solve this. Any ideas?

UCrewX5 · #2 08-16-2006, 01:27 PM

does this happen with all trailers you've tried? It could be a problem with the wiring or plug on the trailer. I use my trailer light plug all the time with no issues.

LeMansX5 · #3 08-16-2006, 01:31 PM

To my knowledge blinkers blink at different rate with the trailer connected to hitch wiring harness. and that is normal by design. Or am I reading wrong? I beleive withidl or someone else also posted about the different blink rate. Also my personal experience.

UCrewX5 · #4 08-16-2006, 01:58 PM

The blink rate on mine is the same, regardless of whether there are trailer lights or not.

LeMansX5 · #5 08-16-2006, 02:21 PM

Refer this thread . http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...ash-light.html

And yes, my trailer was rental U-haul with no ground wire and therfore faster blink(per JCL).

JCL · #6 08-16-2006, 03:44 PM

Thanks Lemans, saved me looking it up.

Blinking fast is simply a result of the vehicle sensing an abnormal current flow. That is what happens when you have a burned out bulb. Rental trailers can often have burned out bulbs as well, their maintenance practices sometimes leave something to be desired. If all the bulbs are good, you more than likely have a poor ground connection to the trailer. I can make bulbs flash fast or regular by disconnecting the separate trailer ground wire (with an alligator clip). Half the U-Hauls I have rented don't have a separate ground wire, it had fallen off years ago.

If you ever want to complain about the mechanical abilities at your dealership, first compare them to the staff at a typical U-Haul trailer rental outlet.

Jeff

X5Flyboy · #7 08-16-2006, 05:29 PM

A little more clarification - 1st Uhaul trailer had a separate ground wire , the one I have hooked up today , does not - SAME result, fast blinking - all lights on both trailers work(ed) - on THIS hookup, I'm noticing a low voltage spike that very faintly lights up the trailer brake lights at 8-10 second intervals - mind you, this is when the X5 is turned off, parked, and locked up! - I never would have noticed it, if I had not been packing at 3am.

They (the dealer) said everything is hooked up correctly, but it sure does not seem that way to me.

LeMansX5 · #8 08-16-2006, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burkleymh

A little more clarification - 1st Uhaul trailer had a separate ground wire , the one I have hooked up today , does not - SAME result, fast blinking - all lights on both trailers work(ed) - on THIS hookup, I'm noticing a low voltage spike that very faintly lights up the trailer brake lights at 8-10 second intervals - mind you, this is when the X5 is turned off, parked, and locked up! - I never would have noticed it, if I had not been packing at 3am.

They (the dealer) said everything is hooked up correctly, but it sure does not seem that way to me.

Is this your 2006 X5? Are all bulbs on Uhaul working, meaning no fuses? The spike/trailer brake lights sounds more like Uhaul wiring screw-up, not your X.

Xstatic Owner · #9 08-16-2006, 08:49 PM

I have a dealer installed hitch. My turn indicator blinks triple speed when I trailer wth LED bulbs and normally with "old fashion" bulbs. This was also true with my Expedition.

X5Flyboy · #10 08-17-2006, 06:42 AM

Yes, it's the '06 - When I get back to Idaho, I'm going to check out what happens when I hookup to my '01 - You have got to believe that the Uhaul setup is typically 'normal' and not some exotic proprietory wiring - How the low-voltage spike can be the fault of Uhaul, is beyond me, since all power has to come from the car - and the car does not distribute power unless there is an open pathway

Re: the Expedition, towing package? Typically, on American cars, you have to install a heavy-duty flasher unit, if it comes without a towing package from the factory - typ towing package gives class 3 hitch, larger radiator, and heavy duty flasher with the towing wiring(22yrs of Broncos) - if dealer installed hitch, they almost always forget to replace the flasher unit.