Wire colors

Newb question here. Trying to figure out how to find a constant 12v for my camper shell dome light. Looking at the towing converter behind my driver side tail light and trying to match things up with the wiring diagram. I'm realizing I've never really understood what the cross hatch marks mean. See pic below. It doesn't seem like the diagrams reference these when they're listing wire colors. For instance the wire with the arrow below would just be red right? R/B would be for red with a longitudinal black stripe?

 

can you trace the wires to your trailer plug?

 

As someone who has worked at a Toyota dealership as a tech I also don’t know why those marks are there. It is probably something to do with manufacturing and looks to be paint not actually part of the insulation, silver is very common.

You are correct about how to read wire color, the only tricky one is blue, “L” and “LG” is light green.

 

thanks, that makes me feel better! It's like some kind of secret code.

 

not easily - the wires seem to go through several connectors , changing colors and combining with others in conduit. I probably just need to get the multimeter out and figure out what is what.

 

looking at the diagram it seems like black/yellow is 12V constant but in my diagram there's 7 wires for the converter and on my truck there's 9

 

Those diagrams are for a specific circuit or function - you would need to search through the entire set of diagrams for the converter or the specific connectors to see what other circuits go to that unit.

For example - if you are looking at the power distribution circuit diagram, it may not show you the taillights or turn signal wires going to the same box…

 

I didn't realize that, thanks for that information

 

In case anyone is looking for a good place to tap into power for the dome light on their camper shell/cap/topper, my 2002 with the tow package has a pretty convenient location at the towing converter. The wires don't match well with the diagrams in the FSM but I think there was a recall so maybe not the same unit that came originally. The two wires below are 12V constant and brake, at least for my year.

 

I'm fairly certain that only exists in the earlier-model trucks, FYI. I defintely don't have that in my '06 with OEM tow package.

 

Something like this is invaluable for getting your trailer wiring sorted:

$12 Vehicle Trailer Wiring 7-Way Circuit Tester - 6 Function LED Indicators - Taiwan

https://www.amazon.com/Vehicle-Trailer-Wiring-Circuit-Tester/dp/B0066CGLS6

 

My 2000 has it.

 

having light issues, I have this box on my 2002, I dont see a wire running from battery to the back. I will try to post some pics tonight of some strange wires in engine compartment