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Curt 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector with Circuit Protected Powered Tail Light Converter

Curt 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector with Circuit Protected Powered Tail Light Converter

Item # C56496
Retail:$66.16
Our Price: $37.28
You Save: 44%
Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
Shipping Weight: 0.92 lbs
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Install a 4-way trailer connector on your vehicle with this wiring harness with tail light converter. Requires splicing into existing vehicle wiring. Works with domestic and import vehicles. Includes wire taps. 1-800-940-8924 to order CURT custom fit vehicle wiring part number C56496 or order online at etrailer.com. Free expert support on all CURT products. Great prices and Fastest Shipping for Curt 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector with Circuit Protected Powered Tail Light Converter. Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring reviews from real customers.
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  • Reviews (39)
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CURT Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring - C56496

  • Universal Fit
  • Trailer Hitch Wiring
  • 4 Flat
  • Converter
  • CURT
  • 2 Feet Long

Install a 4-way trailer connector on your vehicle with this wiring harness with tail light converter. Requires splicing into existing vehicle wiring. Works with domestic and import vehicles. Includes wire taps.


Features:

  • Provides a 4-way trailer connector at the back of your vehicle to power your trailer's signal lights
    • Works with domestic and import vehicles
  • Ensures that your vehicle's wiring matches that of your trailer
    • Powered module connects directly to battery to avoid overloading vehicle's electrical system
  • Installs with kit 55151 (sold separately) to help run wiring to vehicle battery
    • Color-coded wires ease installation
  • Constructed of durable materials
    • Solid-state components are potted to protect against shock, dust, vibration, high temperatures, and humidity
    • Molded rubber female 4-way connector includes a dust cover
  • 1-Year limited warranty


Specs:

  • Application: 2- and 3-wire lighting systems
  • Output length: 58" long
  • Max Amperage:
    • Turn lights and brake lights: 3.0
    • Tail lights: 6.0
  • Wire configuration:
    • Brown: tail lights
    • Green: right turn lights
    • Red: brake lights
    • White: ground
    • Yellow: left turn lights


Included in Hardwire Kit:

  • Wiring harness
  • Wire tap connectors
  • Cable ties
  • Self-tapping screw

  • Note: Requires install kit 55151 to help run wire to vehicle battery.


    2- And 3-Wire Systems

    Because most trailers run on a 2-wire system - wherein the brake and turn signals are carried on 1 wire - the signals from your vehicle may have to be converted to be compatible with your trailer's wiring.


    If your vehicle operates on a 3-wire system, which means that it has separate brake and turn signals, then those signals will need to be combined so that they run on 1 wire to properly activate your trailer's tail lights.


    Note: This will not affect how the tail lights on your vehicle operate.


    Powered Tail Light Converter with Surface-Mount Technology

    Because most trailers run on a 2-wire system - wherein the brake and turn signals are carried on 1 wire - the signals from your vehicle may have to be converted to be compatible with your trailer's wiring.


    If your vehicle operates on a 3-wire system, which means that it has separate brake and turn signals, then those signals will need to be combined so that they run on 1 wire to properly activate your trailer's tail lights.


    Note: This will not affect how the tail lights on your vehicle operate.


    Curt SMT Circuit Boards

    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.


    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.


    Installation

    To determine where to splice into your vehicle's tail light wiring, you will need to consult the included instructions. Use the quick-splice connectors to attach the input wires of the tail light converter to the corresponding wires from your vehicle. To get the power necessary to operate, the harness must be connected to a 12V power source. To do this, you will need the Curt powered converter wiring kit (55151 - sold separately), which contains the power wire that connects your battery.


    Then locate a flat surface inside your vehicle near the tail lights and adhere the black converter box using the provided double-sided tape. Find a raw metal surface to use as a ground point and secure the white ground wire using the provided ring terminal and screw. Finally, secure the converter wires to your vehicle using the included cable ties.


    It is recommended that you use a small amount of dielectric grease on the 4-pole connector to help prevent corrosion.



    56496 Curt Circuit Protected Powered Converter w/ SMT

    Replaces Curt 56146

    Compare to Tekonsha 118721

    Installation Details C56496 Installation instructions


    California residents: click here


    Customer Satisfaction Score:


    Customer Reviews

    Curt 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector with Circuit Protected Powered Tail Light Converter - C56496

    Average Customer Rating:  4.7 out of 5 stars   (39 Customer Reviews)

    Install a 4-way trailer connector on your vehicle with this wiring harness with tail light converter. Requires splicing into existing vehicle wiring. Works with domestic and import vehicles. Includes wire taps.

    by:

    I didn’t like the way it cut into the vehicle wiring, so I bought an OEM harness from Mazda for my 22 CX5. My dealer gave me great instructions and nice sealed connectors. YMMV- I think trailer is a great company and will do business again. The hitch I bought is FANTASTIC.



    by:

    Installed easily on my 2019 Sprinter RV. Works well which is something I could never say about the Sprinter tow system. Thanks to etrailer for the advice and excellent training videos.



    by:

    Fixed my problem perfectly. No thanks to Forest River for not owning up to the problem.



    by:

    Easy installation with included parts.

    Kenneth

    8/26/2023

    I installed this on my 2004 bmw325 and it was an easy install and it has worked great.



    by:

    I can't believe I have to use this universal kit for my Corolla Cross just because it is an XLE and you (Curt) cannot figure out how to make a plug and play kit like for all other models of Corolla Cross.



    by:

    Fast delivery , easy installation



    by:

    Easy replacement for the old one. No problems encountered at all. Recommended.

    Peter

    3/13/2023

    Still working great. Absolutely no problems. Had to tap into the fine wires on my 2006 Nissan X-Trail near the spare tire. Also brought a higher gauge wire from the battery via a fuse in the engine compartment routed under the car. Highly recommended.



    by:

    Installed this kit on my 2022 VW Passat. It works good however finding the right wire was a challenge. I wish that there was a plug and play taillight converter available.



    by:

    I have used this products before , these are for stock on future builds . Good price and quick srvice



    by:

    Have purchased a number of hitches and wire harness for a number of different vehicles I have owned. All products were easy to install and worked perfectly . The instructions were clear and quality of their products is top notch. I have used their customer service to ensure I was ordering the right product for a older vehicle (75 Toyota Landcruiser) they were patient and ensured I got the right set . Their customer service is matched by their pricing and that would be hard to beat . Delivery (Canada) was exceptionally fast. Probably not my last order and I have recommended this company and their products to my friends. If your considering a purchase I don't think you will be disappointed and you will be saving lots of money doing it yourself.



    by:

    great product! I had the local UHaul install this product. So far it works real good



    by:

    Quick service! haven't installed yet, but appears to be all that I needed.



    by:

    Contained everything pictured and worked well for running power to the powered tail light converter



    by:

    It's waterproof, so it's great for installing outside.



    by:

    I put it in today and it works great! Great service at etrailer.



    by:

    Wiring was properly installed and it works great!



    by:

    Its good product..fit perfectly for my metris 2016



    by:

    easy install



    by:

    No muss or fuss, this just works.



    by:

    Received not installed specific for BMW X3 2021



    by:



    by:



    by:

    PERFECT, FAST DELIVERY, VERY GOOD PRICE, PROPER DESCRIPTION, IT IS IN AND WORKS



    by:



    by:


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    Show More Reviews

    See what our Experts say about this CURT Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring

    • Trailer Wiring Harness Recommendation for a 2003 Subaru Legacy
      For the Curt Trailer Wiring Harness part # C56496 that you referenced that has been confirmed as a fit for your 2003 Subaru Legacy I attached a link to the installation instructions and an install video that shows the harness being installed on a similar Subaru as yours for you to check out.
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    • Why Would Trailer Wiring Stop Working on Trailer When Headlights come On
      Try improving the connection of the main ground wire of the trailer wiring harness. Make sure it is attached to a clean metal surface. Or you can run all of the trailer wires back to the main ground. This is actually the ideal solution. But you can also check the current grounds for the lights to make sure they are making a solid connection to a clean metal surface. What you described is the classic insufficient ground scenario so finding a way to improve the grounds will fix the problem....
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    • Curt Universal 4-Way Vehicle Wiring Harness For a 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-250
      Yes, you can use the Curt 56187 wiring on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-250. We only carry the upgraded version # C56496 and you will need the Powered Converter Wiring Kit # 55151 with either of the Curt converters.
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    • Parts Needed to Install Redarc Tow Pro Elite Brake Controller in 2016 Mercedes Sprinter 2500
      To install a brake controller in your 2016 Mercedes Sprinter 2500 you will need to start with a 4-way (if you do not have one). For that you would want the # C56496. From there you would need to convert the 4-way to a 7-way so that you can install the brake controller. For that you will want the Brake Controller Install Kit and 7-Way Adapter part # ETBC7. I attached installation instructions and an install video for this product as well. From there you'd be able to install the Redarc...
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    • Wiring Harness Recommendation for a 1998 Volvo V70
      Yes, the Curt wiring harness part # C56496 has been confirmed as a fit for your 1998 Volvo V70 so it would work well for you.
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    • Replacement Trailer Wiring Converter Recommendation to Replace Shorted One
      To replace the bad converter box you could use the # C56496. This will allow you to wire the converter to existing wiring of your vehicle and will come with a new 4-way connector. You will want to check the wiring of your trailer to find what shorted out your current converter before you replace it so that you don't short out the new one as well.
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    • Hitch and Wiring Recommendation for a 2012 Chevy Volt
      Since the 2012 Chevy Volt is not typically used as a tow vehicle there hasn't been much of a demand for a t-connector style trailer wiring harness. As of right now, and for the foreseeable future, the only wiring option you have would be a universal install harness like the part # C56496. For a hitch you would want part # C11221. Ball Mount part # C45521, 1-7/8 inch ball # A-80. Lastly, check your owners manual to see if there are any restrictions on towing with your vehicle.
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    • Troubleshooting Trailer Wiring that the Turn Signals Activate with Blinkers
      The issue you are experiencing is due to the fact that your trailer has separate trailer wiring circuits, meaning the turn signals and the brake lights are on separate bulbs and the trailer wiring harness # C56496 you installed is designed to operate combined trailer taillights, meaning the turn signals and brake lights are on the same bulb. What you are going to need to do is install the taillight signal converter part # 118158 on the wiring of your trailer. Once installed the red wire...
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    • Trailer Wiring Recommendation for a 2014 Mercedes GLK
      The Curt trailer wiring part # C56496 is the confirmed trailer wiring recommendation for a 2014 Mercedes GLK like so it would be a great option if you are looking for trailer wiring. This is a universal type kit that will require hardwiring to the taillight wires of your vehicle though.
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    • 2016 Prius Touring Four Trailer Wiring and Hitch Fit Recommendation
      We spoke with our contacts at Curt and we can confirm the fit of the Curt harness part # C56496 for the 2016 Toyota Prius Touring 4 hatchback. For a ball mount you would want the part # C45572 for a 2 inch ball or part # C45571 for a 1-7/8 inch ball.
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    • Could Install of Curt Trailer Wiring without Disconnecting Battery Damage Converter
      It is possible that you created a short during the install of Curt trailer wiring harness part # C56496 which damaged the converter. If you can test for voltage with a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 on the input size of the wiring and see that there's voltage going in but none coming out that would indicate that the box is shorted out.
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    • Trailer Wiring Harness Recommendation for a 2014 BMW X1
      We have two curt wiring harness part numbers that have 56146 in them. Part number # C56496 and part # 56146KIT that also includes the wiring and fuse holder for routing the power wire of the kit up to the vehicle battery. Both of these converters have the SMT (surface mount technology) circuit board that makes them very reliable as opposed to the older style of circuit board that other harnesses may have. Since your 2014 BMW X1 requires the wire get run all the way up to the battery you...
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    • Correct Curt Trailer Wiring Parts for a 2022 Mazda CX-5
      The Curt Upgraded Circuit Protected Powered Tail Light Converter # C56496 along with the Powered Converter Wiring Kit # 55151 are what you need to add wiring to your 2022 Mazda CX-5. Sometimes our fit system needs adjustments made and this is one of those times. You're good to go with these parts! If you're looking for a complete towing setup then I also recommend checking out the etrailer Hitch # e98902 because of the durable matte black powder coat and then the ball mount kit # EBMK4...
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    • Trailer Wiring 4-Way Harness Recommendation for a 2005 Subaru Baja
      For your 2005 Subaru Baja there is a trailer wiring option confirmed to fit, but not a T-connector type that would plug inline. Instead you would need to use the hardwire kit part # C56496 that is a universal fit kit that will work on your vehicle. This is the best priced option we carry as well.
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    • Turn Signals Intermittently Working While Running Lights And Tail Lights Work
      If the signals are trying to draw more power when in function, but are only working intermittently, I would first check the ground contact point. This will be the white wire from the converter box. Make sure you have a clean, maybe even bare metal surface to give you a solid ground connection. You can use a little sand paper to remove any paint or coating to this surface that might hinder a quality connection when grounding. Also look for any possible kinks or bends in the power from...
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    • Troubleshooting Right Turn Signal Flashing Fast with Curt Wiring Installed on 2022 Mazda CX-5
      Thank you for your purchase of the Curt Upgraded Circuit Protected Powered Tail Light Converter # C56496 for your 2022 Mazda CX-5! Normally when we see hyperflashing like that it means there is a bad connection somewhere on that circuit. So what you'll want to do is check the fuse for the right turn signal on your CX-5 and if that looks good then look at the spice connection you made for that function. Be sure the connection is secure and nothing along the wiring is damaged. Another thing...
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    • Trailer Wiring Harness Recommendation for a 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
      It sounds like the converter box of the # C56496 has shorted out. If it's putting 12 volts on all three taillight circuits just because the battery wire is hooked up it has shorted out. For a replacement harness I would go with the part # C55349 as it will install inline with your taillights for an easier install.
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    • Trailer Hitch and Wiring Recommendation for 2016 Mercedes Sprinter
      For a hitch confirmed as a fit for your 2016 Mercedes Sprinter 2500 144 inch wheelbase with a factory step bumper you would want the Draw Tite hitch part # 75601 which has been confirmed as a fit. For trailer wiring you then would want the part # C56496. If you wanted to do some towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8...
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    • Will Curt Trailer Wiring for a 2015 Acura TLX Short Out
      The only people that have problems with the Curt trailer wiring part # C56496 burning out are the ones who do not properly secure the converter box. If the box comes loose and starts banging around it will eventually burn out. Aside from that it is an excellent option that has been confirmed as a fit for your vehicle. We don't have any confirmed fit T-connector style harnesses for your vehicle so I am not sure if they have your vehicle confused with a different one like a regular TL.
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    • Recommended Trailer Wiring Harness for a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
      Correct, the GLI models have different tail lights so you won't be able to use a plug-in trailer wiring harness. That said, we do still have an option in the Curt Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part # C56496 which will hardwire directly into the wires behind the tail lights. It provides a 4-pole/4-way connector which is the most common and widely used. If you don't already have a trailer hitch picked out then I recommend adding the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver...
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    • What Wiring is Needed for Vehicle to Install 4-way and 7-way for 12 Volt Circuit to be Powered
      The 4-way trailer harness part # C56496 that you referenced does not carry a 12 volt power circuit for accessories like a fridge so you would not need to do anything extra while installing this to compensate for the fridge. With this installed you would also need the # 37185 which will convert this to a 7-way. You would be able to use a 10 gauge wire like part # 10-1-1 through a circuit breaker like part # 9510 to the positive post of the battery to provide power for accessories like your...
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    • 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness Recommendation for a 2014 Honda Pilot
      I have a much better solution to install a 4-way on your 2014 Honda Pilot, but if you really wanted to you could hardwire the part # C56496 to it. Instead I would recommend the Tow Ready harness part # 118558 that is custom designed to fit your vehicle and provide it with a 4-way.
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    Info for this part was:

    Employee Lindsey S
    Edited by:
    Lindsey S
    Employee Jeff D
    Installed by:
    Jeff D
    Employee Jameson C
    Expert Research:
    Jameson C
    Employee Dustin K
    Video Edited:
    Dustin K
    Employee Wilson B
    Updated by:
    Wilson B
    Employee Hannah L
    Updated by:
    Hannah L
    Employee Kristina F
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