Tech Tip: Cleaning a Corroded Trailer Light Connector
Difficulty Level
Tools/Supplies Needed:
• vinegar• small container
• electrical contact cleaner
• dielectric grease (used in the video is Permatex Dielectric Tune-Up Grease #22058)
Procedure:
• have a container large enough to hold the trailer light connector• fill the container with vinegar
• place the trailer light connector into the vinegar and allow it to soak for a couple hours
• depending on the severity of the corrosion, some may need to soak longer
• keep inspecting the contacts to see if the corrosion has been removed
• once satisfied, use an electrical contact cleaner to clean the vinegar off the trailer light connector
• allow the trailer light connector to dry
• apply a dielectric grease to the contacts, this will provide a barrier against any moisture
• reinstall the cap to prevent any dirt of moisture getting to the contacts
• if the contacts are too far deteriorated, a new trailer light connector will need to be installed
Video tech tip on how to remove the corrosion from your trailer light connector fast and easy. Normally these tend to be exposed to a fair amount of road debris and can corrode over time, therefore making a poor connection. These should be equipped with a cap to help keep the dirt out, but they can either fall off or get lost over time. Unfortunately in some situations the corrosion can be too far gone where it has completely damaged the contacts inside the connect, therefore the connector will need to be replaced.