Cana 4-Way Trailer Connector be Hardwired into a 2011 Ford Escape

Question:

what color are the wires that run the blinkers and brake lights on a 2011 escape. I have a 4 way with that I want to hard wire in

asked by: Eddie

Expert Reply:

There isn't a standard for wire color/function, even from one manufacturer between their different models, so you will have to test the taillight wiring on your 2011 Ford Escape using a circuit tester such as # PTW2993.

You can have someone sit in the cab of the vehicle and run through the lighting functions while you test with the circuit tester (a voltmeter works too if you have one). Then you can splice in the wires from the 4-Way you have.

But I have to warn you that all of the aftermarket harnesses for the vehicle have powered converter boxes which generally means that the vehicle wiring is not rated for the additional power draw of trailer lights. A powered harness powers the trailer lights from the battery, so the trailer lights won't damage the vehicle's electrical system.

That is the route I would take if it were me and I would use # 118551. I have included a couple of links that cover this type of installation.

expert reply by: Michael H