Stuff on my new 4Runner...What is it?

[badspell68]

I just purchased a new, from dealer, 2013 4Runner Limited this week and don't know what some things are that came with it.

It came with a towing cable(plastic part with 5 wires attached). What is this...I thought the hitch and all cables were factory attached?


There is a bag with information about wheel locks. Where is the key, the locks and do I send in the card(casrd seems to be some type of key-lost registration card)?

The safety SOS button...do I have an account for this service that I can log into?

Thanks!

 

[zonianbrat]

I can only assume this is a new 4runner bought from the dealer? If so they will be able to answer your questions. My inlaws just bought a new vehicle equipped with SOS and they got a trial 6 month membership. As far as the plastic part you should post up a picture so we know what you are talkng about. Not sure what "card" you are speaking of either. If it has locking lugs then there should be a key that fits onto your lug wrench.

 

[gm350reratliff]

The plastic part with the wires attached is probably the harness for an electric trailer brake controller. The mating plug is under the dash, probably just above the e-brake.

Look in the tire tool kit for the lug key. Not sure about the card you are talking about.

Also, not sure what the SOS botton is about.

 

[badspell68]

Brake controller ...I thought the vehicle was completely set-up for towing?

 

[Offroader5]

Brake controller ...I thought the vehicle was completely set-up for towing?

You can tow with it if it has the hitch and lighting plug near the hitch. Brake controllers are to control the brakes on the item you are towing IF they have independant brakes.

 

[badspell68]

OK.

My 4Runner has a hitch, plug for lights, but where does one attached the socket for the breaks in the back? Is this and additional part and is the wiring there?

 

[TOY2G]

OK.

My 4Runner has a hitch, plug for lights, but where does one attached the socket for the breaks in the back? Is this and additional part and is the wiring there?

I am assuming you you have have never used a trailer with brakes....

IF and ONLY IF you are wanting to pull a trailer (car hauler, cargo, boat, or RV) that is equips with trailer brakes, you can buy a trailer brake controller (avail in any parts store or walmart) and wire it into the open end of that plug, the you will plug the plastic part of that plug into your truck on the Drivers side kick panel. Then you will find a place to mount your new brake controller and you are done.

If this all sounds Greek to you, please just out the wiring aside someplace you know where it is and leave it alone.

If one day you find yourself needing to pull a trailer with brakes you can retrieve the plug and take it to someone that knows what they are doing to install it.

 

[badspell68]

I understand the controller in the cab part of the setup. But, at the hitch end of the truck there is a plug only for the lights. An RV would require additional wiring and a larger plug. Is the 4Runner wired already at the back for this? I would only need to adapt existing wiring and a plug to accommodate the brakes and lights?

 

[Offroader5]

It uses the socket that is already back there. The controller is simply spliced into that circuit. If your runner came with that controller from the dealer, chances are the wiring is already spliced in and run and there is a plug/socket up under the dash near the pedals that the controller will just plug into.

Here is a very simplified drawing.

 

[badspell68]

Thanks!


I'm amusing the wiring is under the dash because I have the adapter that is to be connected under the dash. But, the plug, in the back by the hitch, is not a full lights and break plug. What is the procedure to turn change that to a full plug and is the wiring already there for the breaks?

 

[Ducmonsta]

Thanks!


I'm amusing the wiring is under the dash because I have the adapter that is to be connected under the dash. But, the plug, in the back by the hitch, is not a full lights and break plug. What is the procedure to turn change that to a full plug and is the wiring already there for the breaks?

You already have wiring in the back of the truck. It comes with a 7pin and 4way flat connector. Anything you tow will have either one of those connectors for lights. If the trailer is old enough, it may still have a 6way round connector. I seriously doubt it, though.

You must purchase a trailer brake controller to USE the trailer brakes of the TRAILER. Our trucks are prewired for this. That is why you have a "pigtail" for the dash wiring. It is there to simplify trailer brake CONTROLLER installation.

Are you actually planning on towing anything? If so, what?

 

[badspell68]

I'll be towing a 2k to 2.5k RV.

 

[Ducmonsta]

I'll be towing a 2k to 2.5k RV.

Does the RV have brakes?

 

[badspell68]

It does have breaks.

 

[Ducmonsta]

It does have breaks.

Then you need to buy a brake controller and have it professionally installed. And then you need to have them teach you how to use it properly.

 

[eddiebx]

It does have breaks.

Your username is so fitting, lol. I highly suggest you read through your manual, it covers all this stuff in detail I believe. Can never be too safe when it comes to towing!

 

[nevada]

Thanks!


I'm amusing the wiring is under the dash because I have the adapter that is to be connected under the dash. But, the plug, in the back by the hitch, is not a full lights and break plug. What is the procedure to turn change that to a full plug and is the wiring already there for the breaks?

post a pic of the trailer plug. it should be a 7 pin rv plug.