Member Since: 19 Jul 2018
Location: Warwickshire
Posts: 90
Converting 7 pin towing electrics to 13 pin
Hi all,
I've seen a number of posts suggesting that D4's should have 13 pin towing electrics(?) however my MY2012 has 2x 7 pin sockets. I'm new to the world of towing electrics, but think that's a 7 pin primary / main one (black) and an accessory / ancillary one (white).
I've recently bought a towbar mounted bike carrier, which has a 13 pin plug. It comes with a 13-to-7 pin adapter (similar to this) but it's a real squeeze trying to connect it up as the bike carrier is only a couple of inches off the socket.
How easy is it to change the sockets on the car to a 13 pin one? That would avoid me having to use the adapter and I think would therefore give me enough clearance to easily plug in the bike carrier.
Cheers,
Ade
12th Sep 2018 10:09 pm
BigElk
Member Since: 21 Jul 2017
Location: Peoples Republic of Kent.
Posts: 60
My wifes D3 came with just the single 7 pin socket for lighting. I bought a 13 pin set from PF Jones and replaced it, very simple, didnt even have to remove the rear bumper.
12th Sep 2018 11:23 pm
Clubber
Member Since: 11 Aug 2008
Location: Teesside
Posts: 372
Hey Ade,
It’s fairly easy to change from 2x 7 pin sockets to 13 pin. They connect behind the near side rear light cluster. You can change it without needing to remove the rear bumper if you don’t mind skinning your knuckles and the back of your hand a bit.
You can order a new 13pin socket and the wiring as a kit. I got mine from a Landrover main dealer via eBay. You just need to make sure you get the right kit for your model year.Bri
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13th Sep 2018 6:49 am
Narpy
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13th Sep 2018 7:33 am
nigel207
Member Since: 26 Mar 2009
Location: Nottinghamshire
Posts: 1342
As others have said, it’s a pretty straight forward job to change the sockets (using the LR kit - an possibly other pre-wired ones too), but in the name of progress, on the D4, it will have to be programmed so that reversing sensors etc., don’t sound continuously when reversing. On the D3, the programme for the 7-pin and the 13-pin was the same, but on the D4 they are different! Something else electrical that LR couldn’t get right, or more to the point could fleece us for.
The lights etc will still work, but as I say, it’s things like the reversing sensors. If you can live with that...........
13th Sep 2018 8:00 am
kirkyworld
Member Since: 01 Mar 2016
Location: Northampton
Posts: 566
I've recently had trouble with my 7 pin electrics and my new caravan has 13pin so looks like I'll be doing this conversion sometime soon too.
13th Sep 2018 8:08 am
Jarvis
Member Since: 16 Dec 2009
Location: West Berkshire
Posts: 278
nigel207 wrote:
As others have said, it’s a pretty straight forward job to change the sockets (using the LR kit - an possibly other pre-wired ones too), but in the name of progress, on the D4, it will have to be programmed so that reversing sensors etc., don’t sound continuously when reversing. On the D3, the programme for the 7-pin and the 13-pin was the same, but on the D4 they are different! Something else electrical that LR couldn’t get right, or more to the point could fleece us for.
The lights etc will still work, but as I say, it’s things like the reversing sensors. If you can live with that...........
Anyone any idea why the programming on a D4 would be different between having 2 x 7 pin sockets and only a single 13 pin socket
13th Sep 2018 8:56 am
Martin Site Admin and Owner
Member Since: 06 Nov 2004
Location: Hook Norton
Posts: 18440
Assuming you have the genuine LR 12N+S kit fitted at the moment (LR logos on the socket caps), then you can also just buy the last bit of the loom with the 13 pin socket, and switch that over.
What was on the car will depend on what the a previous owner has fitted. None came with electrics from the factory, they are all dealer fit (or self-fit) accessories.06 D3 SE / 15 LR D90 XS SW / 88 LR 90 Td5 / 68 BMW 2000 ti
Any issues with the site let me know!
13th Sep 2018 9:00 am
Martin Site Admin and Owner
Member Since: 06 Nov 2004
Location: Hook Norton
Posts: 18440
PS: take care with "OEM" and aftermarket kits, the quality of the wiring can be miles apart from the genuine kit.
I just bought a pre-wired 13 pin socket and soldered/heat shrink to the plug on the 7 pin loom (after cutting it off), easy job Pete
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13th Sep 2018 9:18 am
Clubber
Member Since: 11 Aug 2008
Location: Teesside
Posts: 372
Jarvis wrote:
nigel207 wrote:
As others have said, it’s a pretty straight forward job to change the sockets (using the LR kit - an possibly other pre-wired ones too), but in the name of progress, on the D4, it will have to be programmed so that reversing sensors etc., don’t sound continuously when reversing. On the D3, the programme for the 7-pin and the 13-pin was the same, but on the D4 they are different! Something else electrical that LR couldn’t get right, or more to the point could fleece us for.
The lights etc will still work, but as I say, it’s things like the reversing sensors. If you can live with that...........
Anyone any idea why the programming on a D4 would be different between having 2 x 7 pin sockets and only a single 13 pin socket
There is no need to re-programme if you are changing from 12N&S sockets to 13 pin. This is exactly what I did and it was just plug and play. Bri
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13th Sep 2018 9:24 am
nigel207
Member Since: 26 Mar 2009
Location: Nottinghamshire
Posts: 1342
Does EVERYTHING work? My previous D4 had originally had the twin set-up, but when it was changed for the genuine LR 13-pin socket, it did need re-programming as ISTR there were issues with the Terrain Response and reversing sensors. I hasten to add that the 7-pin was genuine LR too.
If you have an IID tool, you can see that there are two individual programmes, one for the 7-pin, and one for the 13-pin.
13th Sep 2018 10:39 am
Clubber
Member Since: 11 Aug 2008
Location: Teesside
Posts: 372
Yep, everything works. (as far as I know!)
Reversing sensors don't activate when the caravan is connected. All the lights work and the fridge works when the engine is running.
I haven't found anything that doesn't work.
I don't have IID so I can't see how it's been configured unfortunately Bri
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13th Sep 2018 10:48 am
nigel207
Member Since: 26 Mar 2009
Location: Nottinghamshire
Posts: 1342
Clubber,
In that case I’ll correct my earlier statement to “you might need to have the car re-programmed”. I certainly did.
Quirky things these LR’s!!!
13th Sep 2018 1:58 pm
Ade_S
Member Since: 19 Jul 2018
Location: Warwickshire
Posts: 90
Thanks all!
I'll take a look. I like the idea of the genuine LR kit, assuming it's not crazy money...
Cheers,
AdeMY2012 D4 HSE in Siberian Silver, 1967 MGB
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