Tips for Routing a Power Wire from the Battery to Trunk for Trailer Wiring on a 2011 Buick Lacrosse

Question:

Any tips on how to run a wire from the battery to the trunk on a 2011 Buick Lacrosse?

asked by: David H

Expert Reply:

There are a few methods that people use when they need to run a power wire from the vehicle battery to the rear of the vehicle. One method involves routing the wire as much as possible through the frame. What you would need to do first is determine if the frame has a hole in which a wire can be run and if there is space enough for it.

You would need a long rigid and skinny object, like a coat hanger to run through the frame, tie off the wire to it, and then pull it back through. This method can be tedious and time consuming because it will most likely required weaving in and out of the frame from the front to back. The benefit is that it is well protected.

Another method involves routing the wire through the vehicle. For this you would need to find an exiting grommet or hole in the firewall or drill a new one being careful not to drill through anything on the other side of the firewall.

once in the vehicle you would run the wire towards the back by removing trim panels in the vehicle, placing the wire under them, and then re-installing the trim panels. Eventually, you would reach the trunk area. The drawbacks of this method are all the twists and turns would most likely require additional wire and it also can take a lot of time.

A third and probably the most common method is to route the wire along the bottom of the vehicle, being careful not to go near any hot or moving parts that could damage the wire. You could follow another wiring harness and use wire ties to hold it up in various places. If needed, you could also use a plastic loom # 39035, to protect the wire. You would most likely need 2 of these 10 foot sections.

If you need to drill through the trunk area at the bottom, again be sure that there is nothing on the other side that can get damaged. Make sure to seal up any holes with silicone to keep out fumes and moisture. I have incldued a link to the installation details for wiring harness # 56098 for reference.