Troubleshooting Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118259 for the 2013 Cadillac SRX

Question:

I have a 2013 SRX, this part plugged in perfectly. I Checked the fuse box just to make sure everything was good. I am getting no power to the lights. I also checked the power output from the vehicle before I plugged in your part and Im getting no power there. Just wondering if Im overlooking something?

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

The TowReady wiring harness for the Cadillac SRX that you referenced, part # 118259, is intended for vehicles that have the factory tow package installed. Thank you for your recent purchase of a hitch and related items along with this wiring harness.

The exact components that constitute a factory tow package will vary among auto makers and can also vary among different vehicle models and model years. Sometimes wiring may be put in place at the factory but may not be connected at one or both ends. Other times the wiring might be completed but the required fuses and/or relays needed to activate the wiring may have been omitted, as you noted. Your local dealership should be able to verify the presence of the complete tow package on your SRX and confirm that all tow wiring is indeed fully connected.

You are correct to check the power distribution box in the engine compartment; any fuse or relay receptacles labeled tow or trailer need to have the correct value fuse or relay installed in order for the wiring to operate. It is also possible that there may be a secondary fuse/relay panel located outside of the engine compartment that still requires fuses. Your owner's manual or local dealership should help you confirm that all required fuses are in place.

It is possible that the OEM connector (where the harness plugs in) may have damaged or corroded contacts. You can check for any sign of problems on the OEM connector contacts; even slight whitish or greenish discoloration can indicate mild corrosion that could still interfere with signal transmission even if the contacts do not appear to be in bad condition. I have linked an installation video for this harness that includes demonstration of how to use a circuit tester like # PTW2992 to test a 4-pole.

It is possible that your SRX does not actually have the factory tow package, which is required for use of the harness you bought. We do offer two hard-wire harness kits for vehicles without the factory tow package, including Curt # C56153 and # C59496. Both of these powered converter units require splicing into the taillight wires on your SRX and running a +12V wire through a fuse to your battery positive terminal. I have linked a video for the Curt harness showing an installation on a 2004 SRX. This video will show you the process. Both wiring kits include all required components as well as a circuit tester.