Trailer Wiring Harness Installation on 2015 Acura MDX

Question:

Disappointed. I bought a hitch and wiring kit for my 2015 Acura MDX. I really enjoyed all the videos and information on your website, it made the buying experience super easy. Unfortunately, I was expecting to be able to slip the 4 pin adapter through the bottom of the car for a super clean install. This lead me to buy a specific hitch with a spot to mount the 4 pin adapter. I installed the hitch but when I did the wiring, the adapter does not fit through the cutover in the bottom of my Acura. In the video on the website for my car and my wiring kit, it fits through the hole. So I guess the manufacturer has changed their wiring and now it doesn’t fit. Very frustrating as now I don’t have a clean install but have to run the wire through the lift gate and I the money I spend on a hitch with a mount spot is wasted. I can’t expand the hole in my car so I’m stuck. You should update the wiring video to show that the part 118628 does not fit though and MDX hole in the trunk. Or maybe there is some solution I’m missing? Thanks.

asked by: Carson M

Expert Reply:

I'm sorry that happened. According to Tekonsha, they haven't changed the plug used on their 4 pole trailer connectors in many years, so I suppose it's possible that either the drain hole diameter might not be consistent across the vehicle line or there might be another larger opening in the floor pan.

What I'd do in your situation is use a rotary tool like a Dremel to notch one edge of the hole just enough so you can slip the trailer connector through. Reinstall the plug using silicone to completely seal any voids to prevent exhaust intrusion into the passenger cabin.

Another option would be to cut the connector lead that exits the converter box, leaving enough room so that when you splice back together, the splice is located up in the vehicle. I'd use heat shrink butt connectors like # DW05744-5 to the connection to prevent water from getting into the connection.

expert reply by: Mike L