How to remove four pin trailer plug? (Resolved & Final Results)

[RideSolo]

I feel pretty dumb asking this question because I usually have no trouble looking at things and easily figuring out how they work, but here goes: How do you get the four pin plug off the metal frame by the hitch receiver? I'm adding one of the Ford Parts bumper fill in plate things that's been cut out for the receiver and I want to relocate the four pin plug but I can't get the darn thing out. I remember reading in a thread a while back that @Lane said it isn't difficult but it's got me stumped. Can anybody help a guy out?

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[Carlitos_92]

I am not sure that you remove it. It is part of the complicated puzzle of jamming that cover in there. Apparently I unplugged the connector, but it has been a while, and I can't remember what the benefit even was:

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...iler-hitch-connector-cover.70769/post-1170910

 

[RideSolo]

I am not sure that you remove it. It is part of the complicated puzzle of jamming that cover in there. Apparently I unplugged the connector, but it has been a while, and I can't remember what the benefit even was:

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...iler-hitch-connector-cover.70769/post-1170910

Thank you for the reply. Yeah, in my case I need to remove it because I'm going to slightly relocate it for better esthetics. I COULD do it the "usual" way, but have something different in my head that I want to try.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

Thank you for the reply. Yeah, in my case I need to remove it because I'm going to slightly relocate it for better esthetics. I COULD do it the "usual" way, but have something different in my head that I want to try.

If you look at the hitch & bracket, it's open on the bottom, with just a couple of "nubs" to retain the rubber socket. Just wiggle it out the bottom.

HRG

 

[RideSolo]

If you look at the hitch & bracket, it's open on the bottom, with just a couple of "nubs" to retain the rubber socket. Just wiggle it out the bottom.

HRG

OK, got it, thank you! I was trying to squeeze the nubs together and then slide it out toward the back rather than toward the bottom. Now I'll get the job done.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

OK, got it, thank you! I was trying to squeeze the nubs together and then slide it out toward the back rather than toward the bottom. Now I'll get the job done.

Also, while there is a 4-pin connector into the back of the flat-4 socket, it has a different pitch and different pins than a standard flat-4. So, depending on what you're trying to do, you may need to splice in a new end/socket.

HRG

 

[RideSolo]

Again, thanx for the assisst!

OK, so with that information I was able to get it done the way I wanted. I got the bumper blank-out plate several months ago and even got the notch cut for the hitch receiver but bad weather and my trip south for the winter halted the installation and a bunch of medical stuff kept me in low gear since getting back. With the info on removing the plug in hand the rest of the job went pretty quick. I cut the appropriate size slot into the bottom and made a couple of notches for the nubs to slide into. It's solid and secure. Here it is:

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

Again, thanx for the assisst!

OK, so with that information I was able to get it done the way I wanted. I got the bumper blank-out plate several months ago and even got the notch cut for the hitch receiver but bad weather and my trip south for the winter halted the installation and a bunch of medical stuff kept me in low gear since getting back. With the info on removing the plug in hand the rest of the job went pretty quick. I cut the appropriate size slot into the bottom and made a couple of notches for the nubs to slide into. It's solid and secure. Here it is:

Looks good! HRG

 

[gjallen3]

247155[/ATTACH]

Looks good. But I’m curious, where did you find the cover plate without the hole for the pin connector?

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Also, while there is a 4-pin connector into the back of the flat-4 socket, it has a different pitch and different pins than a standard flat-4. So, depending on what you're trying to do, you may need to splice in a new end/socket.

HRG

If he's splicing in a new end/socket maybe time for a five-pin adding backup lighting?

 

[RideSolo]

Looks good. But I’m curious, where did you find the cover plate without the hole for the pin connector?

The last I knew it was Ford Part #NZ6Z17F000AB. Ford pars places, both dealers and on-line and eBay have them. It comes completely flat and you have to cut out for the receiver and light plug. Most have been doing theirs w/ the light plug in the factory location. I wanted to move mine (as shown) so the end result had more of a blank panel look. I ended up w/ the look I wanted.

And then here are good instructions on how to cut it:

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...hitch-cover-template-instructions-pdf.132221/

 

[RideSolo]

If he's splicing in a new end/socket maybe time for a five-pin adding backup lighting?

Nope, just moved the plug to a different location for the esthetics.

 

[gjallen3]

The last I knew it was Ford Part #NZ6Z17F000AB. Ford pars places, both dealers and on-line and eBay have them. It comes completely flat and you have to cut out for the receiver and light plug. Most have been doing theirs w/ the light plug in the factory location. I wanted to move mine (as shown) so the end result had more of a blank panel look. I ended up w/ the look I wanted.

And then here are good instructions on how to cut it:

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...hitch-cover-template-instructions-pdf.132221/

Great idea. I like that look so much better.

 

[hibred]

Great look and well done D I Y

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

If he's splicing in a new end/socket maybe time for a five-pin adding backup lighting?

I've been waiting for somebody to take a Curt harness and add the reverse-light wire & a Flat-5.

If I ever decide to add the tailgate strip light, that's what I'll do.

HRG

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