Trailer connector help

[jhumphrey]

Hello all,

Does anyone know the wiring diagram for the factory trailer wires? My 97 limited has the factory tow package and the connector (4 pin flat) fell while driving and has been damaged. So, I need to replace the connector. Does anyone know the OEM parts number or what to replace it with?

The old connector has 5 wires going into it. All the replacement ones I've seen only have 4. Any advice? Thanks!

 

[96RedRunner]

[MENTION=105137]jhumphrey[/MENTION], follow wires into interior early 3rd gens use a converter usually
behind left rear panel.

 

[phattyduck]

The old connector has 5 wires going into it. All the replacement ones I've seen only have 4. Any advice? Thanks!

OEM wiring is only ever 4-wire. If you have a 5-wire connection, it wasn't done at a Toyota dealer or the factory.

If the wiring is at the trailer connector, it should be the standard colors used for all trailers in the US.

-Charlie

 

[gamefreakgc]

Yeah, sounds like yours is aftermarket. The stock wiring harness isn't long enough to drag on the ground, it's rather short. Well, at least not on a 4WD one with fresh springs. I suppose a 15" wheel 2WD might.

If you want to wire it from the box, behind the rear cargo area interior plastic body panel (passenger's side) is the trailer converter box. To get that off you have to remove a few things like the trim around the rear hatch but from there you should be able to pop it out enough to access the box. It's small and black, slightly smaller than a black whiteboard eraser. Should be able to disconnect it there and then wire in a 4-wire connector of your choise. I forget why Toyota had to do that in the first place, something about the brake wire signal not working on a standard trailer connector.

 

[Boort]

Hello all,

Does anyone know the wiring diagram for the factory trailer wires? My 97 limited has the factory tow package and the connector (4 pin flat) fell while driving and has been damaged. So, I need to replace the connector. Does anyone know the OEM parts number or what to replace it with?

The old connector has 5 wires going into it. All the replacement ones I've seen only have 4. Any advice? Thanks!

Not aware of any standard 5 pin plugs (4, 6, and 7 are what I have experience with). 5th is likely the reverse lights. Looks like a few brands of plugs are up on Amazon https://smile.amazon.com/Reese-Towpower-85215-5-Way-Connector/dp/B0008G1PMS/

Depending on the damage to the plug you can likely just get a new plug end from your local autoparts store and wire it in. Assuming the controller box is not damaged. this route would probably only cost $5-$10 and maybe 45 mins total to do a good clip, strip, slide on heat shrink, tin, twist, and solder on job each of the wires.

I used one of these when wiring up my 97 Tacoma after the controller box that was on there took a rock hit and stopped working. 1997 Toyota 4Runner Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring - Curt
Looks like this kit should also fit your 97 4Runner. Very little needed to install, basically remove a taillight, plug in to the harness, mount the end to the bumper then tie every thing up with some spiral wire wrap and zip ties.

When I got my camper, I added the ETBC7 4-> 7 conductor kit and Tekonsha P2 Brake Controller so I can charge it's batteries and use the trailer brakes.

Been happy with the setup so far. tech support from Patrick and the folks at Etrailer.com was great when I ran into some issues with the brake controller wiring. I seem to recall that they had a good video of the process on youtube and were just a phone call away when I needed them.


Boort