Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
(17 reviews)
Price: $73.56
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
Item # C56396
Retail:$125.95
Our Price: $73.56
You Save: 42%
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CURT Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring - C56396
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- CURT
- Powered Converter
Quickly and easily install a 4-way trailer connector on your vehicle with this custom harness. T-connector plugs directly into existing wiring. Powered converter reduces strain on wiring system and is made using SMT to ensure superior performance.
Features:
- Provides a 4-way flat trailer connector at the back of your vehicle to power your trailer's signal lights
- Compatible with 5-pole, 6-pole and 7-pole adapters (sold separately)
- Connects quickly and easily
- Locate connection points behind tail lights
- Plug in T-connector
- Run hot lead to car battery
- Includes a tail light converter to ensure that your vehicle's wiring matches that of your trailer
- Powered module connects directly to battery to avoid overloading vehicle's electrical system
- Constructed using surface-mount technology (SMT) for consistent, reliable performance
- Maximizes trailer light yield and intensity while producing minimal heat
- Ensures superior operation in rough road conditions
- Comes with dust cap for 4-way flat connector
Specs:
- Maximum amperage:
- Stop/turn lights: 3 amps per circuit
- Tail lights: 6 amps per circuit
- Limited 1-year warranty
Installation
This custom-fit T-connector plugs into your vehicle's wiring harness, which is located behind the driver's-side and passenger's-side tail lights. You will have to remove the trunk floor coverings, storage trays, scuff panel, and tail light assemblies to access this harness. Once you've plugged in the T-connector, run the hot lead up to your car battery. Connect the lead to the included fuse holder, and then connect the fuse holder to the positive terminal on your battery.
Once installation is complete, the 4-way connector will be stowed in an out-of-the-way location within your trunk.
It is recommended that you use a small amount of grease on all electrical connections - the plugs on your automobile and the 4-pole connector itself - to help prevent corrosion.
Powered Tail Light Converter with Surface-Mount Technology
A tail light converter is built into this T-connector. This converter is a circuit-protected, battery-powered unit that bypasses the electrical routes that are used by a basic wiring harness. As a result, there is virtually no draw on your tail light circuits.
Because most trailers run on a two-wire system - wherein the brake and turn signals are carried on one wire - the separate brake and turn signals from your vehicle's three-wire system need to be combined so they are compatible with the wiring system of the trailer. This converter combines the brake and turn signal functions of your automobile so that they run on one wire to properly activate your trailer's tail lights. Note: This will not affect how the tail lights on your vehicle operate.
Curt builds each tail light converter using surface-mount technology (SMT). This method of construction involves soldering electronic components directly to the surface of a printed circuit board. SMT eliminates the need for leads, which are used in older through-hole technology. The result is a circuit board that is smaller yet provides more routing area and that offers superior performance, reliability and durability.
Circuit boards constructed using SMT have been shown to perform better under rough conditions with excessive vibration than those made using the through-hole method. And where would vibration be more likely to occur than in towing applications? Curt converters also produce less heat, leading to increased durability and longer life. In addition, lower levels of resistance ensure better performance, especially for parts that operate at higher frequencies.
Each Curt circuit board is made using high-quality components that are pieced together in the most technologically savvy fashion, leading to greater predictability and reliability in functioning.
56396 CURT T-Connector - Surface Mount Technology - 4 Wire
Installation Details
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 2016 - 2016 Honda Civic Sedan
- 2016 - 2021 Honda Civic Sedan
- 2017 - 2021 Honda Civic Sedan - excluding center exhaust
California residents: click here
Video of Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Video Transcript for Curt Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring - Trailer Hitch Wiring - C56396 Review
Speaker 1: Today we're taking a look at a Curt T Connector Wiring Harness with the four pole flat trailer connector. This product fits certain years of the Honda Civic sedan. To ensure or double-check that this is a fit for your vehicle, you can always use the vehicle fit guide at etrailer.com.Now once this is installed, it provides a four way flat trailer connector at the back of your vehicle to power your trailer's signal lights. This is compatible with adapters like five pole, six pole, and seven pole adapters. Those are sold separately and available at etrailer.com if needed. It does come with a dust cap for the four way flat plug.
That way, you can cover up the connection points whenever your plug's not being used,Now, all the wires run to this black box. This is the included taillight converter. This unit ensures that your vehicle's wiring matches that of your trailer's. It connects directly to the vehicle battery to avoid overloading the vehicle's electrical system. It's constructed using surface mount technology for consistent, reliable performance.
What that does, is it maximizes the trailer light yield in intensity while producing minimal heat and it ensures superior operation, even in rough road conditions.Now, this unit is designed to connect quickly and easily. You don't have to worry about cutting or splicing any wires. All you need to do is locate the connection points behind your taillights and plug in all of your connectors. You'll notice that there's quite a few connectors, but again this is custom fit, so all of these connectors are going to match up perfectly with the ports on the vehicle.Locate the connection points, plug in your T connectors, and then you'll need to make a ground connection. That's your white wire with a ring terminal already attached to it.
You want to get that grounded to a suitable grounding location with the included grounding screw. Then mount your converter box to a safe, out of the way location with the included double sided adhesive foam tape.Next, you'll need to run the hot lead to the vehicle battery. The hot lead is the short black wire coming out of the box. This gets connected to one end of the bundle with one of the included butt connectors. The other end of the bundle runs to the vehicle battery, gets another butt connector attached to it and connects to one half of the fuse holder.
The other half of the fuse holder gets a ring terminal attached to it and gets connected to the positive post of the vehicle battery.It does come with your 10 amp fuse, goes directly in the fuse holder, and it's got the cap that goes over to keep it safe and protected. Once you have all that done, you can secure any excess or slack in your wiring with the included cable ties. Then one your installation is complete, the four way connector will be stowed in an out of the way location within the trunk of your vehicle. Plenty of wiring here, so you can extend it out the back when you need to use it, and then roll it up and tuck it away when you don't.It's also recommended that you use a small amount of dielectric grease on all your electrical connections, like the plugs on your vehicle and the four pole connector itself. That grease is specifically designed to help prevent corrosion to the connection points. It's available and sold separately at etrailer.com. The unit also comes with detailed installation instructions to help walk you through the whole process step by step. When it comes to the maximum amperage for the stop and turn lights we're looking at 3 amps per circuit, and for the taillights we're looking at 6 amps per circuit. That's going to do it for today's look at the Curt T Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with the four pole flat trailer connector.
Customer Satisfaction Score:
96% were satisfied with this product
4% of customers were not satisfied
- Wrong item was ordered
- Too difficult to install
- etrailer mistake
Customer Reviews
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector - C56396
Average Customer Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (17 Customer Reviews)
Quickly and easily install a 4-way trailer connector on your vehicle with this custom harness. T-connector plugs directly into existing wiring. Powered converter reduces strain on wiring system and is made using SMT to ensure superior performance.by: Alparslan04/18/2024
Amazing easy instal used it whole summer. I will see again in a few eeeks if its still working. Its winter here in canada.
by: Frank12/31/2022
2018 Honda Civic
I have owned it for 1 year and 10 months. After about 1 year and 6 months the brown wire (tail lights or night running lights) no longer supplies 12 V to the trailer. 12V into the converter = yes (so all of the tail light T connectors are OK). 12V out to the trailer = no. The turn and the stop lights out of the converter work fine. Trailer wiring has 5.8 ohms between the supply and ground pins on the tail light circuit (not shorted, calculated amp draw probably a little over 2 amps). Was hoping for a longer service life than 1.5 times the 1 year warrantee. I gave it 3 stars because technically It met the stated warrantee. Who knows, maybe salt got in my trailer wiring and caused a sporadic short? Documenting it here in case anyone else has a similar issue. I will try a different brand next time.
Frank D.
1/17/2023
Yes, I found a replacement Tekonsha converter. You were out of stock so I ordered it elsewhere sorry. I will be using all the existing Curt T connectors, because the Honda wires are quite delicate I guess they are shaving ounces everywhere on the car for gas mileage and I don’t want to disturb those connections if I don’t have to. I have verified the converter is the culprit. It is out of warrantee and I am not asking for any money. Yes, the Curt double sided tape is feeble. I saw it back in 2021 when I installed it, so of course I used multiple layers of additional HVAC tape to hold my converter in place so there would be no stressed wires going to, or stressed connections in, the converter. I also had the converter located in a nice dry, in the trunk, location. Lesson learned about the Curt converterharness. I won’t buy a harness from them again. I understand you may have chosen to carry the Curt harnesses for economic or customer choice reasons, or you may have been … encouraged… to carry them by Curt. I also realize it is always possible Tekonsha makes the Curt stuff, or Curt makes the Tekonsha stuff, or both are made in the same Chinese factory. Maybe it is my trailer wiring’s fault. According to the literature, the Tekonsha converter appears to have protection in place to protect itself if the trailer wiring is faulty. I feel better about this than the Curt product. I like etrailer a lot. I will buy more stuff from you again, don’t worry. Thanks for your feedback.
Katrina B.
1/17/2023
I am glad that you were able to find a converter to replace the Curt. To be honest, I generally dont recommend the Curt harnesses to our customers because you are not the only one to have complications with the converter boxes. Tekonsha products are made by a company called Horizon Global, and they have nothing to do with Curt products. Curt does make some sturdy hitches and fantastic ball mounts, so we do carry all kinds of Curt products, including their harnesses. If you ever need any assistance on picking a harness or any other towing products, our customer service department and chat teams are more than happy to assist you in finding the best option for your application.
by: John09/20/2022
I don't like the idea of cutting into the wiring on a new car . Corrosion is guaranteed at splice points.I misread the description and thought it was plug and play. Not sure what I'm going to do with it but I don't want to pay shipping for return and shipping for the correct harness
Jenny N.
10/4/2022
You mentioned that you believed that the harness was plug and play. I wanted to advise that as long as you received part # C56396 for your 2019 Honda Civic Sedan then it is a plug and play harness. There is a power wire that will need to be run to the battery from the harness, however it does not splice into the vehicles wiring. I am including a FAQ below that has helpful tips on running the power wire.
Helpful Links
by: Adrian10/15/2022
the powered module went out within the fist 6 months of owning this harness
Katrina B.
11/1/2022
I am sorry to hear that this harness did not last. I see that this item has a limited one year warranty. This manufacturer prefers to handle all of their own warranties. You can contact them at 877-287-8634 for assistance.
by: John11/18/2021
3 stars because the manual doesn't say which of the 3 connectors go to which plug on the left 2021 Honda Civic tail light. I contacted one of your techs who didn't know the answer. He said he would ask the producer and get back to me. Didn't happen.
Sierra K.
12/2/2021
I called Curt to ask about the vague instructions and a tech said between the 3 connectors, there will only be one that will really fit correctly with the locking tabs on this harness. So, you would disconnect your turn signal connectors on your vehicle and the Curt wiring harness end with the yellow wire between the separated connectors. Essentially, this Curt harness will T into the turn signal connector with those locking tabs.
by: Paul 12/31/2022
Quick prompt delivery, all product looks as advertised. Happy to get started on installation.
by: Mike08/01/2019
Honda Civic
Takes longer to install it you're fussy like me, but the extra time is worth it. It stows nicely in the trunk of the Civic sedan ready for use.
by: Don 08/14/2022
Had it installed by a mechanic. working just fine.
by: Jose 04/04/2024
2024 Honda Civic
by: Mickey 08/21/2021
Fast shipping , great customer service
by: Robert 01/31/2023
by: Roberto 11/01/2022
by: Vincent 01/10/2023
2018 Honda Civic
by: Cody 09/13/2021
by: John 09/01/2023
by: Victor 06/17/2021
by: George 08/01/2021
2016 Honda Civic
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See what our Experts say about this CURT Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Roof Rack Options for Loading 2 Kayaks onto a 2018 Honda Civic 4drThe first thing to look at is the roof capacity of your vehicle. The combined weight of the rack, 2 kayak carriers, and a pair of 64 pound kayaks is a concern. I confirmed the roof capacity is 110 pounds on the 2018 Civic Sedan. A better option and my recommendation is carrying your 2 kayaks on a Malone MicroSport Trailer designed for 2 Kayaks # MPG461G2. If you don't already have a tow package or hitch on your Civic, it requires a tow hitch like the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #...
view full answer... - Can 2016 Honda Civic EX-T Tow Small Sailboat TrailerI looked online and it looks like your 2016 Honda Civic is rated to tow a small trailer so with the Curt Hitch part # C11604 you'd easily be able to tow the sailboat trailer weight you mentioned. While we haven't towed with your vehicle we have installed this hitch on similar Civics to yours and it fit great. You will also need trailer wiring too like with the Curt # C56396 which installs by plugging inline with taillight connectors.
view full answer... - Does Reese Cargo Carrier Fit Class I Hitch on Honda Civic SedanYes it will; even with the Class I hitch on your Honda Civic you can use the cargo carrier you asked about: - Reese Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" Hitches # 63155 As far as what else you need, if you want to use the Light Kit # 20174 then you do indeed need the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C56396. Those will be the only things you need to use the cargo carrier.
view full answer... - Recommended 4-Way Wiring Harnesses for a 2019 Honda Civic HatchbackI checked with our vendors and no one made a plug and play wiring harness for the hatchback models of the 2019 Honda Civic. The harnesses for the sedans have different connectors so they will not be compatible. I have two options for universal wiring harnesses that I have listed below. Splicing Wires - Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector item # C59236 Clamp on - ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector item # 119250KIT The...
view full answer... - Is 12 Volt Battery Power Required For 4-Way Converter To Work On a 2017 Honda Civic Sedan? The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness # C56396 which fits your 2017 Honda Civic EX-T sedan requires power to the converter for basic trailer light functions. The converter only draws a small amount of power from the vehicles tail light wiring harness and sends power from the battery to the trailer wiring to activate the lights. This protects the vehicles tail light wiring from drawing more power than it was designed to handle.
view full answer...
Do you have a question about this Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring?
Info for this part was:
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Installed by:
Cole B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Updated by:
Kristina F
Updated by:
Isabelle B
Written by:
Ronnie R
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Katrina B.
1/17/2023
Oh wow, I am sorry to hear that this harness did not hold up for you. If the converter box is receiving power and no power is coming out of it, it could be that the converter box is the problem. Now one thing that I know about Curt is that they are better known for their hitches and ball mounts, opposed to their harnesses. I would recommend the Tekonsha harness, part # 118686, in its place. When it comes to Curt harnesses, they use an adhesive, while Tekonsha uses tapping screws to hold down the converter boxes. A lot of times with the adhesive, it will come loose and then the box will be unstable which generally will cause the boxes to stop working. Unfortunately, the warranty is passed due on this harness. However, I would recommend getting in touch with our customer service team for them to get an order for the Tekonsha harness placed for you.