Throwin' this out there. Ford Explorer trailer hook up

[putawaywet]

Wifes truck-2003 Ford Expor.. 93 Mclain boat trailer (basic light system).
Towing the boat the other day the a/c quit blowing cold. Hayne manuel and owners manuel say power for a/c compressor clutch and trailer batt. charger are on same fuses. Unplugged trailer lights and a/c clutch engaged and worked fine. No blown fuses.
Hooked up to my F-150 and all's good.

Anyone ever heard of something like this?

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Throwin' this out there. Ford Explorer trailer hook up

Sounds like a bare wire, or corroded connections in the hitch harness. First place to look is by the back of the Explorer where the wires are outdoors. If you get a test light or even better a little volt-ohm meter you can test the hitch wiring.
Here's a link...http://www.accessconnect.com/trailer_wiring_diagram.htm
If you haven't used a volt meter before come back and ask, or look up how. You can get info with the tool, or see step by step online. The main thing is don't bridge any connectors with your probe. Basically, set the meter on the range which includes 12Volt DC, put the ground=black=negative contact on the (-) contact of the hitch plug. Then turn on each function of the hitch wiring and check the appropriate contact on the plug. Example first check the driving lights, then the directionals, and lastly have someone step on the brake and check for that...although I believe the brake lamps are the same circuit as the directional flashers. I'd still check them if you haven't found a problem by then.
Or, if the trailer hitch plug on the Explorer, has green looking contacts get some fine emery cloth and GENTLY clean them up. The higher grit values are finer finish, I'd say 200 or higher value grit. You don't want to remove material, just get the corrosion down. The contacts don't have to get shiny, just get rid of any powdery surface on the plug contacts.
Good luck. I bet it's something dumb like that.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Throwin' this out there. Ford Explorer trailer hook up

The A/C compressor clutch is nothing more than a big magnet. It needs real power to function, so if the power is disrupted at all, you know it.

 

[putawaywet]

Re: Throwin' this out there. Ford Explorer trailer hook up

Thanks NH,
I should most likely replace the connector. It's worked for years untill the other day.
Cheap enough.
Thanks for the input.

 

[Chris-R]

Re: Throwin' this out there. Ford Explorer trailer hook up

Keep in mind that the Ford Explorer will cut out the air conditioning while towing if the engine temperature rises too much. While driving the vehicle, take a look at your temperature gauge. If it goes above normal, then you may find that the Explorer will automatically cut out the air conditioning. Take a look at the towing section in your owner's manual. It should verify what I just said.