Hi there, 

 

Have a rear bike rack which is going to obscure number plate (possibly lights) when fitted so I'm going to need a rear registration and lights bar.

 

Any ideas how to connect up the lights - the bar comes with a 7-pin connector but can't see where/how I might do this.

 

thanks in advance

12 minutes ago, dougalredbear said:

the bar comes with a 7-pin connector but can't see where/how I might do this.

You need a standard 7 pin trailer electrics socket wiring into your car.

thanks - so is this something that, say, Halfords might be able to fit - expensive?!

2 hours ago, dougalredbear said:

thanks - so is this something that, say, Halfords might be able to fit - expensive?!

I wouldn't trust Halfords to fit a trailer socket - it needs to be properly integrated into the cars electronics using a trailer module and coding several electronic modules otherwise you will get all sorts of faults reported with the rear lights.

 

Find a local towbar fitting company...

Not so.

 

Whilst you wont get all the "added functionality" that the you must fit a coded system afficianados value so much using a bog standard low impedance trailer wiring module (described incorrectly as "canbus compatible") will not result in any reported faults, bulb warnings etc if fitted correctly by a competant person.

 

As we are talking about Halfords then you are probably right

 

The OP needs nothing more than the above for a trailer board socket if a towbar is not being fitted, nor does he if one is being fitted purely for the purposes of attaching a bike rack. I will leave the arguments on that point to the others.

I was answering what I read the OP as asking "what do I need to do to make a trailer lighting board work?", and not "what hoops do I have to jump through to get full functionality?"

Talk to an Auto Electrician and discuss the options. 
I have a Smart Fortwo with a bike rack and the electrics are fed from inside the boot, it’s the official kit and connects with a small connector approx 15mm dia the cable then just sits through the boot gap through the rubber out to the bike rack. 
as said before you need someone who understands the canbus system so that it still functions. 
Like this https://cpc.farnell.com/mbs-connect/sp1311-p7iic/circular-in-line-plug-7-p-5-8mm/dp/CN21326?mckv=sqAqw3R2F_dc|pcrid|224645161149|kword||match||plid||slid||product|CN21326|pgrid|45968746254|ptaid|pla-833283892246|&CMP=KNC-GUK-CPC-SHOPPING&s_kwcid=AL!5616!3!224645161149!!!network}!833283892246!&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1OCZkbTY8QIV5WDmCh3ZbAkCEAQYAyABEgKin_D_BwE

Edited 10 July, 20214 yr by mar-mite