Installing 7-Pin Trailer Connector and Optional Brake Controller on 2004 Honda Pilot

Question

Question:

I cant find a towing wiring harness for a 2004 Honda Pilot that has a 7-pin end that the trailer wiring plugs into. I only see one that has a 4-pin end. Is there one? Thanks.

asked by: Linda

0

Expert Reply:

You're right. Unless the manufacturer pre-wires for a 7-pin lighting harness, the kits will all be for a 4-pole connector as you already saw. However, upgrading that 4-pole to a 7-pin is no problem.

We'll start by installing the Tekonsha # 118336 4-pole wiring harness. This installs quite easily without cutting or splicing any wires. This will plug in near the rear hatch. I have attached a installation demo video.

Next we will install an etrailer # ETBC7 7-pin receptacle. This will take a little work as we have to run wires up to the engine compartment - it is still quite doable as thousands of our customers attest. During this install you will additionally need the etrailer # 18136 mounting bracket for the 7-pin outlet.
I have attached below a link to this product and a video walk through installing it in a 2005 Pilot.

Finally, the original four pole connector ran lights on the trailer for clearance, side markers, tail lights, along with brake and turn signals. The four pole connector plugs into the back of the ETBC7 and the remaining wires are connected as directed. These wires usually run a 12-volt accessory power circuit, and 12-volt brakes. If your trailer has electric brakes, then you will need an electric brake controller installed near the driver. I recommend the Tekonsha # 90195 Trailer Brake Controller. Additionally you will need the custom connector cable # 3070-P for Honda vehicles. The controller installs on the lower dash by the drivers left or right knee. The custom cable matches the Tekonsha controller connection to the Honda connector behind the dash. I have attached a link to these items, a video review, and an installation demo video for a 2011 Pilot which should be very similar.

The ETBC7 and the Controller all come with the crimp on connectors needed, however getting good secure wire crimps is much easier with a proper crimping tool like the Performance Tool # PTW30764 Crimping Pliers.

expert reply by: Les D

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Answer 1

I took a look at the online owner's manual for your 2005 Honda Pilot. It states that this vehicle, if equipped with a transmission cooler and power steering fluid cooler, has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds for a standard trailer. This…

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Answer 2

When comparing the Flex-a-lite Transmission Cooler #FLX400117 to the similar Derale Series 8000 Transmission Cooler #D13502, there are very few differences between them. Both have an aluminum construction, include all hardware needed, and are…

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Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 6

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 7

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 8

Since wire color codes are NOT universal, we always recommend wiring by function, rather than wire color. If you look at the Trailer Wiring FAQ article I have linked you to, you can see some diagrams showing the proper way to wire a vehicle and…

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Answer 9

If you have a vehicle specific wiring harness for a brake controller then that would indicate that you have a factory tow package and subsequently would already have a 7-way at the back of your vehicle. The universal 7-way connector #ETBC7 is meant…

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Answer 10

Either way is correct. It depends on if you want to keep the semi-style 7-Way (if you need to tow that type of trailer) or if you will never be towing a semi-trailer. If you need to keep the 7-Way semi active on the truck, then you would need to make…

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Answer 11

There are a number of factors involved when converting a semi 7-way to an RV 7-way. Semis generally use a 7-pin round pin socket, similar to #PK11720. And RV style 7-way uses blades, like #PK12706. We do not offer any pre-made adapters to make this…

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Answer 12

It could be a tow package fuse on the vehicle. Use the owners manual to find the locations of fuses/relays related to the tow package wiring to check them and replace as needed. If the issue is not a fuse or relay then you can test the vehicle side…

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Installing 7-Pin Trailer Connector and Optional Brake Controller on 2004 Honda Pilot

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