Parts Needed For 1999 Ford Taurus Wagon With Separate Stop and Turn Lights to Tow Trailer With 4-Way

Question:

I just bought your RHK hardware kit to mount the hitch that was given to meit worked great. I then discovered that my car 99 Ford Taurus Wagon requires a 5-wire lighting system. The small utility trailer, which is also used by several other vehicles with 4-wire systems, is a working 4-wire system. Do I have to completely change the wiring harness and lights on the trailer to work with my 5-wire system? If so, can you give me a link to a wiring diagram for it? I notice you sell a 4-wire-flat to 5-wire-flat adapter, but it looks like it only works with a 4-wire car to 5-wire trailer I have the other condition. Any suggestions? Im guessing I have to rewire the trailer and replace the lights, and get an adapter for the other vehicles to use. Can you tell me what I need? I figured out which wires do what in the car, so Im ready to hook up a wiring connector, Im just not sure now what to use.

asked by: Dan P

Expert Reply:

Your 1999 Ford Taurus Wagon has a 5-wire system, which means it has separate stop and turn signals. Most trailers have the 4-wire system, which has the stop and turn signal combined in one wire. You do not need to change the wiring on your trailer to match your vehicle. There is an easier solution for getting the vehicle and the trailer connected.

You will want to use the Draw-Tite Wring Harness, part # 119178KIT, on your Taurus to get a 4-Way connector. This wiring harness will use a converter that will convert the separate stop and turn signal on your Taurus down to a combined signal for your trailer. See the link to the installation instructions on the Draw-Tite wiring harness.

I am including a link to a video of the Draw-Tite wiring harness being installed on a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. The vehicle is different, but the wiring principle is the same.

I am also including a link to a FAQ page on trailer wiring and a video link that will show the difference in a 5-wire system and a 4-wire system.

expert reply by: Jeff D