How to Install Curt Trailer Wiring Harness # C59236 On a 2012 Audi Q5

Question:

I bought the Curt Trailer Wiring Harness C59236 for my 2012 Audi Q5 from Etrailer in Oct. of 2012. 2 different Audi dealers and a local foreign car service center have told me that this is incorrect and that it will damage the cars electrics. The dealers and the repair shop recommend that the hitch wiring needs to connect into the panel in the left rear of car with a module and not attaching to the wiring on the right rear side with t-connectors as instructions recommend. The installation was done by the foreign car service center and he had numerous calls to the dealer. He and I was told that the correct harness is only available through Audi and is only sold with the electrics and hitch together. The hitch itself went on exactly as advertised, but without lights I cant use it. Please help me get the right wiring to finish the hitch setup. Thank you.

asked by: Wally H

Helpful Expert Reply:

I checked with Curt to confirm the wiring harness specified for your 2012 Audi Q5 and it is indeed the Curt # C59236. I also spoke to my technical contact at Curt and he confirmed compatibility with your 2012 Q5. This harness provides isolation and protection of the vehicle electrical system from the trailer lighting.

I have linked the installation instructions for this wiring harness as well as a helpful article. This is a hard-wire type harness that does not use plug-in t-connectors but rather taps into particular wire leads for the vehicle tail light functions in order to generate corresponding signals for your trailer lights. If installed correctly according to the instructions it will not damage the vehicle wiring.

As for the dealer recommendation to buy their Audi OEM harness rather than the Curt, if you were to ask your Audi dealer if it is a good idea to take the vehicle to one of the national oil change companies for routine service he would likely tell you not to, but instead to bring the vehicle to them for oil changes.

expert reply by: Adam R