Choosing Correct Hitch for 2013 Mazda 3 Sedan

Question:

2012 mazda 3 sedan Why does it matter if the car has LED taillights, and how do I know if it has LED taillights?

asked by: Olivia

Expert Reply:

When you are choosing a hitch, it makes no difference if your Mazda 3 has incandescent or LED taillights as the taillight assemblies have no bearing on the fit of the hitch. The Curt Class I receiver you referenced, part # C11393 will fit regardless of which taillights your vehicle uses.

Grand Touring models of the Mazda 3 are equipped with LED taillights, which will make a difference if you are wanting to install a trailer wiring harness. If you do NOT have the LED lamps, you can use the # 118420 wiring harness. With the LED lamps, you would want to use # C59496.

To determine if you have the LED or incandescent taillights, stand behind the vehicle while somebody else sits behind the wheel and operates the brakes, running lights and turn signals. As each function is activated, look at the rear taillights. Are you seeing one bulb blink with the turn signals, or a multitude of smaller ones? How about the brake lights, one bulb or many? If you just see one bulb per function on each side of the vehicle, then you have incandescent lamps. If you are seeing several lamps per function, then you have LED lamps.

I've linked to some installation videos that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L