Recently when reversing my old caravan with 7 pin trailer plug wired to provide power to lights and fridge in Van, the 10 Amp reverse light fuse (labelled gauge) blew.
I have discovered that the genuine Toyota tow bar and 7 pin plug are wired such that the reverse lights are carried through to the trailer. Unfortunately this is the spare pin people use to provide power to caravans. I had left the 12V 3 way fridge on 12V and a couple of 12V lights on in the van. No problem in my old Pajero which had a separate cable from the battery to the 7 pin plug for this purpose.
I first noted the problem when leaving for the weekend and symptoms were:
No speedo
Engine management warning light on
Cruise control not working
Auto transmission would only stay in 4th gear when cruising
Took the vehicle to Toyota thinking something seriously was wrong, only to be told we cant look at it until next Wednesday.
So much for my use of the vehicle over
Easter.
I later discovered the reverse lights not working
Not to be defeated I checked out the circuit diagrams in the workshop manual, and discovered the reverse light circuit also feeds a number of other things.
Replace the fuse (after I found it hidden away on the drivers side kick panel and labelled Gauges) and all came good, except the engine warning light is still on.
Everything works fine, but does anyone know if the engine warning light is on only to indicate that a fault was present and needs
clearing. i.e. the speedo sensor not working. Also noted the odometer didn't work. Perhaps this is a warning to Toyota for those that disconnect speedos for warranty purposes.
I would be very concerned that if I was in the sticks, and a trailer fault caused serious damage to the electronics of the vehicle. That is what I thought fuses were for to prevent damage.
As a further word of caution, my new Supreme Territory Van although having a Anderson plug for 12 V power, the 12V on the 3 way fridge is still wired through the 7 pin plug. I guess had I ever used the fridge in 12V mode and reversed the same thing would have happened, but perhaps in a far more inconvenient place.
Has anyone else had this problem and how did the engine warning light get reset, or is there some damage?
Cheers
Phil