Why Does Hopkins Active Tail Light Converter 46255 Require a 12V Power Connection to Vehicle Battery

Updated 04/28/2015 | Published 04/26/2015

Question:

Hi I have ? For p# 46255 for Acura TL 2012 , on old model you dont need run wire from battery to trunk why on 2012 you need power from battery , it is lots work to run wire from battery to trunk is any way I can skip that , I installed hitch and install wire kit p# 46255 tha only I didnt connect that wire red with black stripe to battery , same way on my old car but none of the light working can you help , thank you

asked by: Slava

Helpful Expert Reply:

There are two types of trailer wiring harnesses. There are passive types that do not have a 12V power connection; these use your car's own wiring to deliver the power to operate your trailer's lights. And there are active types that have a powered converter, such as the Hopkins # 46255 that you have; these use the car wiring only to carry switching signals to tell the converter when to send out power for the trailer. The actual power for the trailer lights comes from the car's battery, but NOT through its own wiring.

This powered type of converter does a much better job of protecting your car's delicate wiring from excessive power draw from the trailer lights or from a short in the trailer wiring. For your 2012 Acura TL only this type of powered converter is offered. This is because the car's wiring is not considered heavy enough to carry the power drawn by the trailer lights.

We do have a helpful article that shows ways to route that power wire on the TL. I also linked a video for a similar harness, part # 46255, that shows its installation.

Wiring harnesses of this type will not operate unless the 12V power connection is made.

expert reply by: Adam R