Do I Remove the Battery During Trailer Wiring Harness Installation on 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Question:

Thanks for the great video on installing the trailer harness on the 2019 Highlander. I have the hybrid model and the starting battery is in the left rear. On your video a storage box in that location is removed. I’m assuming I now need to remove the battery, then the box it’s located in to install the wiring harness? Thank you

asked by: Bill T

Expert Reply:

Yes. In order to install a trailer wiring harness like the Curt # C56217 to go with your new etrailer Trailer Hitch # e98844, you will need to disconnect and remove the battery in order to remove the storage box in your 2019 Toyota Highlander. It should be noted that disconnecting and reconnecting the battery may at first prevent the hybrid system from re-starting. Keep in mind though that disconnecting the battery is what you have to do when recharging it as well-so this won't ruin anything and there is a process to get the hybrid system back up and running if this happens.

If this happens after reconnecting the battery, then you just have to shift the transmission into P (Park), open and close any of the doors, and restart the hybrid system (with the power switch in ACCESSORY mode). This will initialize the hybrid system again.

The Curt # C56217 (like most other available wiring harnesses for your vehicle) are a simple plug and play installation, so once you get the battery disconnected and removed, it will be an easy process. I've linked an installation video of the Curt # C56217 for you to reference back to easily when going through the installation process on your 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

expert reply by: Erik B