Why Does Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring # 118491 Include 1 Relay and Honda Wiring Has 2

Question:

I am getting #118491 to add a wire connect to 2009 Honda Pilot, but I am just curious on why the kit from the Honda dealer lists two relays your kit just has one. Thanks.

asked by: Steve V

Expert Reply:

The wiring kit you selected, Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, part # 118491, would just give you a 4-way connector at the rear of your 2009 Honda Pilot, only requiring one relay.

The other wiring kit that we offer, Honda Pilot Replacement OEM Tow Package Wiring # 118253, includes 2 relays as it is a replacement for the OEM tow package wiring. Part # 118253 would require 2 relays as it gives you a 7 way connector. The kit that you referenced from Honda is more than likely part # 118253.

If your Pilot came from the factory with a tow package, chances are the other relay is already installed. You can check this by looking into the rear fuse panel located on the drivers side of the cargo area. The factory relay would be on the left side (see figure C-1 and C-2 of linked instructions). If you do not have a factory tow package the second relay will not be present.

I have linked instructions for the Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, part # 118491 and part # 118253. I have also linked a video installation of the part # 118491 on a 2010 Honda Pilot which shows all the details of installing part # 118491.

expert reply by: Reno H