How to Install the Tow Ready 4 Pole to 5 Pole Adapter # 20036 on a 2002 Acura MDX

Question:

Hello - will this part #20036 work to convert from 4 flat to 5 flat on a 2002 Acura MDX ? Im concerned because of the conversion box converts to 4 wires so if it works .... do I just splice into the brake wire just before the converter box?

asked by: Chuck M

Expert Reply:

The additional blue wire from the Tow Ready 4 Pole to 5 Pole Adapter, # 20036, would splice into the reverse light circuit on your Acura MDX. The purpose of the fifth wire is to activate an electric lockout valve on a brake actuator to allow a trailer with surge brakes to back up without the brakes locking up.

If you have a trailer with electric brakes and you want to provide power to the electric brakes on the trailer, you will want to add a brake controller. The brake controller will send an appropriate amount of power back to the trailer brakes. If electric trailer brakes were activated by a brake light signal, the brakes would completely lock up each time you stepped on the brakes.

I have attached an installation video of this adapter for you to check out. The vehicle in the video is different from your MDX, but the video shows how to splice the adapter into the reverse light circuit on the vehicle. To locate the reverse light wire on your MDX, I recommend using a circuit tester with a light bulb like part # PTW2993.

expert reply by: John H