Why Doesnt Tow-Ready #118381 Harness Work on a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee With a Factory 7-way
Question:
I have a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd that does not have a trailer hitch and does not show a tow package on the sticker, but it does have the factory tow 7 way connector under the center of the rear bumper that would seem to indicate that the factory tow wiring is in place. I installed the 118381 wiring harness which plugged into the connector perfectly, but while the vehicle lights function o.k., I have no function from the 4 pin connector on either running lights or brakes or stop lights. I read somewhere else that after installing this 118381 harness on a vehicle without the tow package you had to take the vehicle to a dealer to have it re-programmed to get the trailer light functions. Is this correct, or are there missing fuses, etc that are also preventing this harness from working?
asked by: Harold P
Expert Reply:
There are two ways to get your trailer lights working on your 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The first way is as you thought - take the vehicle back to the Jeep dealer and have them activate (reprogram) the internal Jeep computer to activate the tow package wiring.
An alternative choice is re-wiring your vehicle with the Universal Installation Kit # ETCB7 and T-One Vehicle Harness # 118425 by Tow Ready. I have attached an install video of this harness on a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee and also a controller installation video. With these two products, you will not have to take your vehicle to the dealer for re-programming.
By installing the # 118425 it will bypass the non-functioning tow package wiring and will also provide you a working 4-pole. If you need a fully functional 7-way, then the ETCB7 kit includes the # 37185 that you originally referenced.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring Adapters
- Multi-Function Adapter
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- 4 Flat
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
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