Tail Light Pin Of Trailer Wiring Harness On 2011 Volvo C70 Shows Voltage All The Time

Question:

Hi, I've just fitted the Curt T Connctor to my 2011 Colvo C70. I have not connected it to my trailer at this point, but notice that despite both indicators and tail lights work as expected, the brown tail light wire remains live 13 volts even when the cars lights and ignition is off. Having the trailer lights on for those rare occasions when I use the trailer is not a big problem for me as, for reasons of road safety, I usually drive with the lights on anyway, but I am concerned the tail light wire being constantly live might mean that the cars battery will eventually drain. What can I do?

asked by: Peter H

Expert Reply:

Showing voltage at a pin on a connector like the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness that is designed to fit your 2011 C70 is common. This just means there is voltage available and since nothing is connected to the harness, there is no amperage draw. This will not drain your C70's battery.

If you want to cut off all power to the harness you can install a battery isolator like part # PK5231201 inline to the wire connected to your positive battery post. This gives you the ability to control the power from your C70's battery and is triggered by any ignition-controlled circuit. I have attached a photo that shows how the PK5231201 is wired.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L