Recommended Trailer Wiring Harness for 2011 Volkswagen CC

Question:

Hi. I am hoping you can help me with a question regarding trailer wiring installation on a VW. The local VW dealer and my local trailer sales store tell me that adding additional aftermarket wiring harnesses can cause Fault Codes on VW vehicle because of their type of European ground system. Have you ever heard of this? In the past, I put one of these wiring harnesses on my 2005 Passat TDI. It would say Workshop Emmisions on the panel that displayed engine codes but no one could ever find out what it meant. My VW dealer does not recommend putting anything like this on their cars at all. Thoughts?? Thanks.

asked by: Neal

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Tekonsha trailer wiring harness # 119250KIT you referenced is a confirmed fit for your 2011 Volkswagen CC as long as it is NOT the 4Motion version. This harness is designed expressly for vehicles like yours that have multiplex wiring systems. It works with the CC whether it has LED or incandescent tail lights and also works with trailers with either type of lighting.

The benefit of using a powered converter harness like this is that the car's wiring does NOT have to carry the actual power to operate the trailer lights. The actual power for the trailer's lights comes from the battery, through the connection made to it through the supplied fuse holder and wire. The car's wiring only provides a switching signal. It does not have to deliver the actual current for the lights. This is why a powered converter is always preferable as it protects your car's delicate wiring from overloads or faults in the trailer wiring. Its easier to replace a fried converter than all the wiring in your car!

My technical contact at Tekonsha confirmed that they have no reports of any issues with error messages generated by using this harness in your 2011 Volkswagen CC.

Few auto dealerships will tell you its a great idea to install any aftermarket items on one of their vehicles since they often offer a (more costly) option than the aftermarket manufacturers.

expert reply by: Adam R