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Relay - 4 Terminal 12 Volt

Relay - 4 Terminal 12 Volt

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Tow Ready Accessories and Parts

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Tow Ready 12 Volt, 4 Terminal Relay for Factory Tow Package

12 volt, 4 terminal relay to complete the factory tow package for the following vehicle applications:

  • 2007 and newer Chevrolet Equinox
  • 2007 and newer Pontiac Torrent
  • 2007 and newer Suzuki XL7
  • 2008 and newer Ford Escape
  • 2008 and newer Mercury Mariner
  • 2008 and newer Mazda Tribute

Relay is rated for 15 amp at 12 volts



38665 - Tow Ready 12 Volt 4 Terminal Relay - Qty 1

Item # TR38665





Video of Relay - 4 Terminal 12 Volt

Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.




Video Transcript for Tow Ready Wiring TR38665 Review

Speaker 1: Today we're gonna take a look at the 12 volt four terminal relay for factory tow package. Now, this 12 volt four terminal relay is designed to complete your factory tow package for the following vehicle applications: 2007 and newer Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, and the Suzuki XL7, and the 2008 and newer Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner, and the Mazda Tribute. This part is needed for operation of the turn signals and the running lights. This relay is rated for 15 amps at 12 volts, and some vehicles we mentioned could require more than one relay.But that should do it for the review on the 12 volt four terminal relay for the factory tow package.

Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

Relay - 4 Terminal 12 Volt - TR38665

Average Customer Rating:  4.8 out of 5 stars   (119 Customer Reviews)


by:

I don't normally write reviews so here goes: I searched for this part for my 2008 Ford Escape at Auto Zone, OReilly's Auto, Advance Auto, and Napa Auto with no luck. Ford wanted $30 according to their Ford parts website, but I needed three (Tail Lights, Right Turn and Left Turn for my Cargo carrier lights) and spending almost $100 was out of the question. A simple google search lead me here and I was able to get four at etrailer for the price of one from Ford. With three day shipping, they shipped on Sunday and arrived on Wednesday. I popped them right in and everything worked great (and I have a spare).

Kevin B. <---Satisfied Customer

Kevin B.

3/28/2015

After a year, the relays and wiring harness I bought are still going strong.



by:

Exactly what was needed in order for my 2009 Ford Escape to have woking trailer lights!!!



by:

Great product and saved me tons of money. I have an 08 Escape. I installed a wiring kit that matched the already existing wire harness. It didn't work. After research I found that I needed these relays to complete the process. After installing them everything works fine. Also they were significantly less than any auto part store.

Joshua M.

7/25/2017

Relays still work fine. I have has no misses after one year with this product. Very happy with my purchase. Saved a significant amount of money by using etrailer.



by:

The relays needed to energize the factory trailer harness for my 2009 Ford Escape were unknown at my local Ford dealership. Not only did etrailer have exactly the relays needed, they also provided an easy to follow instructional video on installation! Great product and excellent service. Fast delivery. Couldn't be happier with my purchase.

John G.

9/3/2018

Relays have operated flawlessly for a year now. No problems



by:

Our customer brought to us his own hitch kit for us to install into his 2008 Escape, not knowing that they don't usually come with these relays. Local Ford garage had only one, at nearly 5 times the cost. Ordered 3 of your relays, plugged them in, and now your happy customer has a happy customer.

Greg, L.

10/6/2017

Our customer is still happy with the relays.



by:

These relays work perfectly and I received them in a timely manner. I couldn't be more pleased with them & etrailer.com if they had been free. I will place y'all in my address book for future needs for sure.
Thanks,
Dale T. ~ TN 38451

Dale T.

6/22/2017

The relays are now a year old and still perform without any problems so Im still happy with etrailer.com..



by:

It worked great.



by:

Relays worked perfectly and were a fraction the cost of what a dealer would charge. Be sure to install the corresponding fuses if you are using these with a vehicle that does not have the factory installed towing package.

Steve M.

1/27/2015

Its been a year and a half and the relays have worked perfectly!



by:

The relays arrived very timely and at a third of the price from any parts store I inquired with if they could even get them. I will be buying more from this dealer in the future. Why we didn't have these from our dealer when purchased with tow package is just crazy

Randy B.

4/4/2018

Have been very pleased with the product and have recommended to some of my friends. Thanks for asking.



by:

Unbelievable is the only way I can explain how well your company takes care of orders. Fast ,and follow ups right to the delivery destination. I needed these 3 relays to get my 4way flat trailer connector working so I could then plug that into my seven blade trailer connector. Then I ordered and received the wiring kit and prodigy brake controller. I installed them with the help of your online video. Perfect! I can say that because I just returned from a camping trip towing my 1800lb Scamp to Vemont and back to RI and everything worked like it was supposed to. Thank You Etrailer!
Dave H.



by:

This was for a 2009 Ford Escape to complete a trailer install with harness # 118251 and other reviewer's suggestions to look in the fuse box to see if it contained the three relays required to power the trailer harness was a good tip.

Mine did not have the relays but it did have the female connectors in the sockets meaning that fuse box was wired for them.

I bought three, plugged them in the fuse box and everything worked perfectly.

The items and shipping were well priced and they were very well packaged.



by:

The relays were required to get the run, turn, and brake lights working for small utility trailer rental. This was for 2009 Mazda Tribute. It was purchased used with a tow package already installed so I assumed it was ready to tow. I was surprised to find out the lights didn't work at rental facility. Gentleman working there said look at your fuses and relays. What relays? - all 3 required were missing. Next surprise was the cost of this little relay..wow. Purchased 3 of these from etrailer and a basic Curt LED tester for less than the cost of 1 at parts stores or dealers. Plugged in the 3 relays and the tester to verify all functions working now.



by:

I couldn't be more pleased with the results of the repair project on my utility trailer.
As a result of damaging one of the lights on the trailer, I began what turned out to be a lengthy process of troubleshooting and repair the lighting system.
I replaced the lights with etrailer's best LED lights.
Result,still no lights.
I followed etrailer's trouble shooting advice and isolated the problem to what I thought was a blown fuse in the car fuse panel.
Replaced fuse, still no lights.
Further troubleshooting lead me to the relays associated with the trailer lights.
I checked with Ford, and found the the relays were going to cost me [$$] a piece, and I needed 3 of them.
Etrailer had them for under [$] each, I order three of them shipped for less than [$$ - one from Ford]
Installed the relays, problem fixed.
I also purchased an excellent digital testing probe, great quality,to help me isolate the problem.
I couldn't be happier with etrailer's products and service.



by:

Bought these to use with a trailer light kit. Plugged them in and nothing worked; so I called etrailer. Nikki ) suggested that that the car not only came without the relays, it came without the fuses. She was right, and now everything works like a charm. Good product, great product support. Who do I contact to suggest that gets a raise?



by:

After months of racking my brain as to why my 2009 Ford Escape factory installed towing package would not work the lights on the trailer, I learned that ford does not install 3 relays that are needed to operate the left, right, and park lights. Ordered the relays through etrailer and worked like a charm!



by:

I have a 2009 Ford Escape and I say, yes these are a great substitute for original equipment (OE) Ford relays. I went to two local Ford dealers looking for OE ones and they really didn't know anything about them. I had to give them the Ford part number. They wanted about $30 each, but luckily neither dealer had them in stock. I ordered three TR38665s from e trailer and just plugged them in the fuse box and "let there be light". You do need to also check that the corresponding fuses are in place - see owners manual. Thanks e trailer for providing this effective and economical alternative.



by:

I used three of the relays to complete the "tow package" on a 2009 Ford Escape. I'd had a hitch receiver and trailer wiring installed but the lights on my trailers would not work. The outfit that did the install obviously did not know that these relays were necessary. So after futzing with my trailer lights and ground wires, I explored the interwebs and saw that you also need to install these relays to get the trailer wiring to work. I found that helpful info at etrailer.com and then realized I could also order the relays from here as well. How convenient! I also ordered a fourth to have as a spare. I shopped around which was a waste of time since etrailer has these for about 20% of the OEM Ford price. Your standard auto parts stores don't even seem to carry this part. So... short story long, I installed the relays and BOOM the trailers lit up like the fourth of July. Problem solved.



by:

These relays were exactly what I needed for my 2009 Ford Escape, to make my new trailer light harness work. etrailer.com seems to be the **only** store that carries this relay. Ford Parts doesn't even carry it!

Thank you, etrailer.com, for continuing to carry this part!! Please keep up the valuable service!



by:

Trailer lights on 2008 ford escape were inop. I did have the trailer connection wiring in the back. Used the etrailer article to find that the relay landing spots did in fact have metal landing spots. Purchased the 3 relays and boom lights work. Might as well buy them from these guys. I looked around town and nothing. Thank you for the helpful article as i am sure i would have spent over a hundred with the ford dealer.



by:

Had a problem with new trailer hitch, wiring existed but no power. Did some research and found out the relays I needed were not installed. Figured out what I needed, ordered, received in a timely fashion, installed and now everything works fine. Wish everything was this easy. THANKS



by:

This relay fit perfectly in our 2009 Ford Escape. I ordered three from etrailer rather than pay the over inflated prices from the Ford dealership. This completed our needs to get the tow package on the car up and running. We couldn't be happier with this purchase from etrailer.



by:

Works perfectly in my 2008 Ford Escape. I was annoyed to find out that despite coming with a towing package it didn't include the needed terminals. This was a much-appreciated alternative to Ford factory parts. We have been using for a year and no issues. Recommended.



by:

Overall I'm extremely satisfied with etrailer. I ordered a custom hitch and wiring kit and installed it with an extra set of hands. Saved money by doing it myself with great pics and videos. Only thing was I wish I would have known from the start that I needed these relays when I ordered the hitch and wiring kit. Thanks etrailer!



by:

Recently purchased the three relays that were suggested to hook-up the trailer wiring. After watching the short installation flick it all went very easy. Better yet Ford wanted $30.00 a piece for one of these ----and I got three for the less than one of Ford price.
I'm going to keep them in my " FAVORITE " for future problems
THANKS



by:

Just bought a 2008 Escape with a trailer towing package but discovered the relays had never been installed. Ford and Napa wanted $24 each for the three relays needed. Watched the YouTube video on how to remedy the problem and crossed the part number to etrailer.com. Ordered the three parts at 3pm on Friday and installed them on Tuesday afternoon for $25, including shipping, for all three. Couldn't be more satisfied. Will definitely place more orders with etrailer.com.


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See what our Experts say about this Tow Ready Accessories and Parts

  • Can the Tekonsha Wiring Harness # 118251 be Installed on a 2008 Ford Escape without Tow Package
    You can most certainly install the Tekonsha Tow Package Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector # 118251. Since you do not have the factory tow package you will simply need to order 3 Tow Ready Relays # TR38665 (this part comes in quantity of 1) and install them to activate the 4-Pole trailer connector. You will want to make sure that the spots where you install the relays (located under the hood - see attached video) have the metal pins. Please note that the Tekonsha # 118251 is not...
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  • Replacement Relays for Factory Tow Package on a 2009 Ford Escape
    I can tell you that relay # TR38665 will fit a 2008 and newer Ford Escape but not if 5L3T-AA and 5L3Z14N089-AA are interchangeable. I do not believe they are. For a factory tow package the best option would be the OEM relay. That way you know you are getting the right part.
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  • 4-Pole Trailer Wiring Harness for 2009 Ford Escape
    If your 2009 Ford Escape has the factory tow package then you can use Tekonsha part # 118251 to give you a 4-pole trailer harness. You will also need three of relay # TR38665. The linked video shows you where these should be installed (unless your Escape has them already). If you do not have the tow package (or if you are unsure) you can use kit # 118551. This installs by connecting plugs to your tail light wiring and by running one wire for power up to the engine compartment where it...
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  • Could Tow Ready Relay part # TR38665 Fit 2011 Ford F-150
    The relay part # TR38665 is a 15 amp relay that we know fits several Ford vehicles that are within the year range of your 2011 Ford F-150. I am sure this would fit a relay slot on your truck but I can't say for certain if it's the correct one for the circuit you have in mind as I am not sure which circuit you'd use it on.
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  • Recommended Trailer Wiring Harness for a 2012 Ford Escape
    The trailer wiring harness I recommend for a 2012 Ford Escape without tow package is the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat part # 118551 which plugs in behind the tail lights so you won't have to do any splicing. It will also work on models with the tow package if you aren't sure. Unfortunately, you'd need to reach out to the dealer to ask if you have the tow package if you don't know. The plug may be present for the connector but that does not mean the circuits for the tow...
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  • Where Do Relays Install on a 2008 Ford Escape for Trailer Wiring
    The 4-Terminal Relays, # TR38665, will install with the flat part of the terminals facing the larger relays in spots # 30B and # 30D. Check out the video that I have attached showing where and how to install these relays. You will notice that the vehicle in the video is a 2008 Mercury Mariner, but the installation will be the exact same with your 2008 Ford Escape. You can see the relay installation starting at the 1 minute and 15 second mark. You will need three of these relays. They...
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  • Best Way to Check if a 2011 Ford Escape Limited Came with a Factory Towing Package
    The way to check if your 2011 Ford Escape came equipped with the factory tow package is call your local dealership and provide them the VIN number. The relays # TR38665 should work fine in conjunction with the Draw-Tite wiring harness, part # 118251 and would complete the tow package wiring on your Escape. I always recommend using dielectric grease such as # 11755 as it combats corrosion from water damage. I have included a couple installation videos and an FAQ for you too.
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  • How To Determine If My 2010 Ford Escape Has Towing Package and Extra Relays and Fuses
    Your 2010 Ford Escape will have the extra fuses and relays in the fuse box if it came equipped with a factory tow package. The presence of the connector behind the bumper does not necessarily mean that you have the tow package. The connector might be there, but without the relays in the fuse box, the plug will not be active. If the relays are indeed in place, you can use the # 118251 harness that you referenced. If they are missing, take a look at the sockets where they would insert. If...
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  • Trailer Wiring Harness Recommendation for a 2009 Ford Escape
    Since you do not have the OE trailer hitch, the connector you found behind the bumper is not active. In some cases, the wiring can be activated by adding 3 of the # TR38665 relays to the fuse box under the hood, but you need to carefully examine the sockets that the relays would insert into. If the sockets do NOT have metal connection points or contacts in them, then the tow wiring circuits are incomplete and adding the relays will not activate the tow package wiring, in which case you...
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  • Recommendations for Tow Package for 2008 Ford Escape
    A factory tow package can vary with different manufacturers. Based on the information you provided we would need to start by testing the connector you mentioned in the back. You will need a circuit tester like part # PTW2993. You indicated that there are fuses in the 31C, 31D, and 31E positions on your fuse panel. You might check your owner's manual and verify that these are fuses for the left turn, right turn, and park / running lights. You will need to have someone sit in the front...
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  • Removing Trailer 4-Way Wiring Harness to Restore Wiring To Factory on 2011 Ford Escape
    The Tow Package Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector # 118251 can be easily removed from your 2011 Ford Escape by simply disconnecting the wiring harness. I've attached a photo of the location behind the bumper as well as a video to assist. Nothing further is required. If you didn't have the factory tow package and want to remove the relays # TR38665 as well, you can easily do that too. I've attached a video of the installation of those relays to help with those locations. ...
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    Image 1 for
  • How to Install Trailer Connector on a 2010 Ford Escape with Tow Package
    You will not need to remove the brake light. Underneath the Escape, you should see the plug attached to the bumper. Remove the cap, and plug in the harness. This connector will only be active on models equipped with the factory tow prep package. In some cases, it is possible to install the 3 of the # TR38665 relays in the fuse box under the hood to activate the tow package wiring, but before purchasing the relays or the 118251, you should closely examine the socket in the fuse box where...
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  • Installing a Tekonsha P3 Electric Brake Controller on a 2008 Volkswagen Touareg
    We have an FAQ article that covers this exact issue. I have included a link to it for you. The FAQ has pictures that show where you will look for the factory wiring in question. The relay method is required when installing the P3, # 90195. Relay # TR38665 could be used but you can probably get one locally which would be quicker. Then just follow the instructions in the FAQ and the P3 should work as normal.
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  • Wiring Harness & Brake Controller Kit Recommendation for 2008 Ford Escape
    We do offer an all inclusive kit for wiring in a trailer brake controller like the popular Prodigy P2 # 90885. Kit # ETBC7 contains a 7-way vehicle socket, and all of the wiring, connectors and other parts needed to install the P2 in your 2008 Ford Escape that does not have a factory trailer connector. All you need to add is a 4-pole harness, which is the starting point for the install. If you have the factory tow package use part # 118251 along with three of relay part # TR38665. If...
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  • Correct Relay For Trailer Backup Circuit On 2016 Acadia
    The T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 7-Way Trailer Connector # 118271 comes with 2 relays which are typically the only relays required for trailer lights. But in your case, you will need that 3rd relay for the trailer back up circuit. You can use Relay - 4 Terminal 12 Volt # TR38665 for your trailer back up circuit. I attached a video for reference, however, you will want to look at your fuse box diagram to verify the correct slot for this relay.
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  • Activating Trailer Wiring Circuits of 2011 Ford Escape with Relays for Install of 4-Way
    We've had a similar question as this before and the solution was to install three of the relays part # TR38665 in the fuse box of your 2011 Ford Escape to activate the trailer wiring circuits so that the 4-way part # 118251 would be functional. I attached an install video for these relays for you to check on a similar Ford Escape as well.
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    Image 1 for
  • Does a 2009 Ford Escape Use Relays and Fuses for the Factory Tow Package Wiring
    If you check the owners manual for your 2009 Ford Escape, any relay or fuse that is associated with the tow package wiring will need to be present for the wiring harness to work. There are many vehicles that take both relays and fuses (Ford is one) to make the tow packages work. So it is very likely that you will need to add fuses if power is not getting back with just the relays. A relay is more or less a switch. It is doing some regulating but not really doing the same job as a fuse.
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  • Are Relays Needed for Trailer Wiring on a 2009 Ford Escape
    If I'm seeing the location your picture shows correctly you will need to add three relays, part # TR38665, in order to activate the wiring on your 2009 Ford Escape. Without the relays the wiring, part # 118251, will not be activated. I've attached a picture from our video that points out the location the relays need to be installed.
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for Image 2 for
  • 2012 Ford Escape 4-Pole Trailer Wiring Harness
    We offer trailer wiring for the 2012 Ford Escape for both versions with the factory tow package and without. For a 4-pole connector for the vehicle you can use part # 118251 which does plug in under the driver-side frame. If your Ford Escape does not have the factory tow prep package, you will need 3 relays (part # TR38665 - sold separately) to be able to install this wiring harness. The other option is a kit that completely bypasses any factory trailer wiring. Tekonsha 4-pole kit # 118551...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • How to Install the Tow Ready 4-Terminal Relays # TR38665 on a 2008 Ford Escape
    The 4-Terminal Relays, # TR38665, will install with the flat part of the terminals facing the larger relays in spots # 30B and # 30D. Check out the video that I have attached showing where and how to install these relays. You will notice that the vehicle in the video is a 2008 Mercury Mariner, but the installation will be the exact same with your 2008 Ford Escape. You can see the relay installation starting at the 1 minute and 15 second mark. You will need three of these relays. They will...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Will 4 Terminal Relay, # TR38665 Fit a 2008 Ford Escape
    The 4 Terminal Relay, # TR38665, will fit the 2008 and Newer Ford Escape. We have had customers state that these relays are good replacements for the ones offered from the dealer. They are designed to complete the factory tow package on several vehicles, including your Escape. However, before purchasing the relays, open the fuse box and take a close look at the sockets or landings that the relays would insert into. If the landings have the metal contacts in them, inserting the relays will...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for

Do you have a question about this Accessories and Part?


Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Michael H
Expert Research:
Michael H
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee John H
Expert Research:
John H
Employee Jeffrey L
Expert Research:
Jeffrey L
Employee Zack K
Video Edited:
Zack K
Employee Dustin K
Video Edited:
Dustin K
Employee Jeff D
Installed by:
Jeff D
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Zach D
Video by:
Zach D
Employee Brent H
Test Fit:
Brent H

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