Installation of Blue Ox Bulb and Socket Tail Light Kit on 2001 Honda CR-V

Question:

Im considering wiring 2001 crv using BX8869 Blue Ox for towing by RV. I dont want to use diode system. 1st question is, using the BX8869, how is wire run from front to back - can I go interior via thru fire wall and then by what route to the rear or do I go under vehicle and by what route and then if under where do enter interior to get to tail-lights. 2nd question is I have a blue ox cable harness with a 6 pole round plug on the end to connect to tow vehicle, how do I covert to that from a 4 way flat or can I remove the 4 way flat and connect direct to the 6 way round.

asked by: Dalem

Expert Reply:

The wiring can be ran through the vehicle interior if you wish, but doing so will triple or quadruple the install time and complexity. I do not have specific instructions regarding how to do this, but generally speaking you would need to use an existing opening in the firewall (or drill one if there is not an existing opening). The wire would run behind the side kick plate, and under the door thresholds to the rear cargo area. From there, it would run behind the side trim panel in the cargo area, and feed the bulb on the drivers side. The rear threshold would be removed, and the wire ran across to the passenger side.

I typically do not recommend running the wiring through the vehicle, because removing or loosening the interior panels can be tricky. Care should taken when removing the panels, because the plastic clips most manufacturers use to hold the panels in place can be fragile.

Running the wiring along the underside of the vehicle is much easier. Again, I have no vehicle-specific instructions, but I can offer some general guidelines. Start at the front of the vehicle, and run the wiring through the engine compartment, taking care to avoid exhaust, steering and suspension components. Once under the vehicle, routing the wiring alongside an existing wiring harness would be your best bet. Using a length of 1/2 inch wire loom (sold by the foot) like part # 459075-1 would offer further protection for the wire.

Many vehicles are constructed with an opening behind the tail light assemblies that is open to the bottom of the vehicle. You can remove one of the tail light assemblies (as if you were replacing a burnt out bulb) to see of the cavity behind the assembly is open to the underside of the vehicle. If it is open, it will be easy to route the wires up through the cavity. If this is not the case, look for a grommet under the carpet covering the cargo floor, which can be slit to allow the wire to pass through.

You can connect the wiring at the front to a 6-pin connector like part # RM-910030-6. The included plug would wire to your existing cable.

I have included wiring instructions for the 6-pin connector.