Installation Instructions for a Tow Ready Wiring Harness on a 1997 Ford Explorer
Question:
what do i need, and how do i do it. want to hook up a towing harness for towing my boat. my explorer doesnfoott have factory harness setup. im going to use a 4 flat harness, how do i wire it up
asked by: Dorinda C
Expert Reply:
In order to install a 4-way harness on your 1997 Ford Explorer you will need to install a Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring # 118345 like you referenced.
I attached detailed installation instructions for this product, but here is the content of the instructions:
Open the rear tailgate of the vehicle. Remove the two taillights by loosening the two screws on each assembly.
Stretch the T-connector wiring harness out across the bumper of the vehicle, placing the connector containing the Green wire on the right (passenger) side.
Beginning on the left (drivers) side, route the black box and the connectors containing the Yellow and red wires up through the access hole underneath the vehicle and out through the taillight opening.
Disconnect the top gray taillight socket, being careful not to break the locking tabs. Plug the T-connector containing the Yellow wire between these separated halves. Next, disconnect the center black taillight socket and plug the T-connector containing the red wire between these halves. Be sure that all connectors are fully inserted with locking tabs in place.
Drill a 8/32 inch hole in the metal cross brace inside the taillight opening. Secure the white wire using the eyelet and screw provided.
Route the Green wire across the vehicle and up into the passengers side taillight opening from underneath the vehicle.
Disconnect the top gray taillight socket, being careful not to break the locking tabs. Plug the T-connector containing Green wire between these separated halves.
Disconnect the vehicles Negative (-) battery cable and remove the fuse from the supplied fuse holder. Using the ring terminal provided, attach one end of the fuse holder to the vehicles Positive (+) battery cable. Connect the other end of the fuse holder to the black 12 ga. wire included with the T-connector using the supplied Yellow butt connector.
Beginning from the front of the vehicle, route the 12 ga. wire rearward along the drivers side frame rail and up through the access hole from step 4, avoiding any hot pipes, heat shields, the fuel tank or any other points that may pinch or break the wire. Attach the black 12 ga. wire to the wire on the T-connector adapters black box labeled Battery + using the butt connector provided. Reconnect the vehicles negative battery cable and
install the 10 amp fuse into the fuse holder from the previous step.
Test the installation with a test light or trailer. Secure all loose wires with the cable ties provided. Clean a flat area near the black box using a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water. Mount the black box to the clean area using the foam tape provided.
Route the 4-flat connector down through the taillight opening access hole and secure under the vehicle.
