How to Find Wiring Harness Connection Point on 2012 Chevrolet Colorado

Question:

I have a 2012 Chevy Colorado is there a wiring harness connection in the back and if so where do I look for it

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

If your 2012 Chevy Colorado has a factory towing package it will have a round connection point behind the rear bumper. The connection point is a round plug attached to wiring that runs through the frame rail. The plug has a cap on it that has a locking tab on it that needs to be pressed down to remove the cap. I recommend the Reese wiring harness for the 2012 Chevy Colorado part # 74682 if you have this connector because it includes both a 7-way connection and 4-pole flat connector. I have attached a video below of the installation on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado so you can see what the connection point looks like.

The Chevy Colorado may not have a towing package, in that case there will not be a round connection behind the bumper. The easiest way to find out if the vehicle is equipped with a towing package is to look in the owner's manual or call the dealership.

If the Chevy does not have a towing package there will be a rectangular connector for a 4-pole flat. The connection point will be plugged into the vehicle's tail light wiring harness underneath the truck bed near the driver's side frame rail. I have attached a video on a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado so you can see what the connection looks like. I recommend a 4-pole flat trailer connector part # 118301.

The 4-pole flat powers the lights on your trailer. If the trailer has brakes, you need a kit to hardwire the 7-way part # ETBC7 after you install the 4-pole connector part # 118301. The 4-pole connector plugs into a pigtail coming off of the 7-way plug that powers the turn signals and taillights on the trailer. The 7-way plug includes a blue wire for trailer brakes, yellow wire for reverse lights, a black hot lead that connects to the positive side of the vehicle's battery and a white wire that needs to be grounded to a clean, bare metal surface. The ETBC7 also includes the circuit breakers, ring terminals and butt connectors you need for installation. I have attached a help article for installing the 7-way from scratch.