Installing the Tow-Pro Elite on a 2012 Honda Pilot

Question

Question:

I have ordered and received several items, but before starting the actual wiring I have several questions. As my 2012 Pilot already had an aux transmission cooler, I assumed it had the trailer tow pkg, and ordered the 7 pin connector kit 118265. Very easy install, but I am still confused as to what I actually have to do to install the brake controller. After a conversation with someone at Etrailer I was advised I needed to also get the Universal kit ETBC7 but I also have the TM75268 pigtail... I can follow the universal instructions of running 10ga wires directly to the battery, and the rear but why then is there a pigtail available specific to my vehicle? And what wiring could/should I exclude from the universal directions if I use the pigtail? Do I have to wire direct to the battery but the pigtail only then cover the wire for the brake light trigger control? I connected the 7pin kit, do I still need to run new heavy gauge wire to the 7-pin connector rather than use the other kit items that are direct plug-ins? Is the concern that the factory wire harness is not heavy duty enough? What is the advantage of using the 4-flat connection on the Universal ETBC7 7pin mount rather than just wiring it directly to the vehicle and forgoing that extra step? As I ordered the 7pin kit, I will have to splice in a generic 4 -flat adaptor first as you do not sell just the 4flat connector that plugs into the vehicle plug under the bumper without the electronic control that was already part of the 7 pin kit I have already installed. Please let me know any other info you may need to answer my many questions, thanks!

asked by: Steven M

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Vehicle manufacturers have made it very confusing as to what has the "tow package" and what doesn't. Some models include a transmission cooler, a trailer hitch, and wiring, while others may only have an extra transmission cooler like what you have. I can let you know how you can test to see what you have but without testing the only way to really know what you have is to call your local Honda dealer with your VIN.

We do have both the T-One # 118265 that you purchased and the T-One # 118558, which has a 4-Way connector, listed as fits for your 2012 Honda Pilot for if you have the tow package or if you don't have it respectively. Since you already installed the # 118265 what I recommend doing is testing the pin in the 1 o'clock position to see if there is constant power.

If you do have constant power then that would indicate you have the tow package and a connector under the driver's side dash for the Adapter # 3070-S to connect to for the installation of the Tow-Pro elite # RED44FR. I have attached an installation video of the Prodigy P3 # 90195 being installed on a 2011 Pilot with the Adapter # 3070-P so that you can see where the adapter will plug into.

If you don't have power then it is likely that you don't have the tow package, so the adapter # TM75268 isn't needed, and some splicing is required. Typically if your Pilot didn't come with the tow package we would recommend going with the T-One # 118558 and the installing the # ETBC7 kit. Since you already have the # 118265 installed you will need to cut the 7-Way off of this connector, cut the 4-Way off of the ETBC7, and then connect the brown, yellow, and green wires from both units together. After that you will then follow the rest of the instructions for the ETBC7 kit that has to do with running the brake controller signal and the 12V power to the ETBC7 and your brake controller. I have attached an installation video of the ETBC7 kit on a 2007 Pilot for you to reference.

In some rare cases the manufacturer will put a plug under the driver's side dash even if they haven't run the wiring back to the rear of the vehicle. If you have a plug in this location but no power to the 12V pin on your 7-Way then I would try applying 12V power to the blue wire of the Adapter # TM75268. This should send 12V power to the pin in the 5 o'clock position of the 7-Way you installed. If you don't see 12V power on the brake controller pin then you know the wiring wasn't run and you can follow the steps mentioned above as if you don't have the tow package.

In addition to the videos I have also attached a helpful article on the installation of the ETBC7 kit for you to reference.