How to Locate the Reverse Light Wire on the Back of a 2017 Toyota Highlander

Question

Question:

Im trying to figure out the best way to wire the blue wire for boat trailer surge brake release on my vehicle. The reverse light is in the lift gate which makes the wiring of a wire from there to the connector difficult. Is there a more direct connection to the reverse power wire somewhere in the harness at the rear of the vehicle, or another more convenient location? I have a 2017 Toyota Highlander, Limited trim package.

asked by: Danny C

0

Expert Reply:

The wiring harness for your taillights located in the rear hatch is ran at the top of the vehicle under the headliner. Therefore, the easiest way to access the reverse light circuit would involve tapping into the wire loom at the top of the hatch before it is hidden under the headliner. You should be connecting to a red wire for the reverse light circuit. You will want to use a circuit tester such as part # PTW2993 to be sure.

The best way to access the reverse light circuit is by removing the rear hatch cover's access panel and locating the reverse light wire at the back of the taillight assemblies.

expert reply by: Conner L

0

Greg

10/25/2024

How else can I find a wire at the rear of the car when the shifter is in reverse? I need it to de-activate a surge brake activator when I'm in reverse? Otherwise, the actuator acts as though I'm braking and applies the trailer brakes.

Reply

Robin H.

10/27/2024

@Greg the only way we have to find this wire is with a circuit tester as described above. If you are having trouble on your particular vehicle you might want to try asking a local dealer what the best location would be to tap into this wire. I went ahead and attached an installation video for our 5-way adapter # C57187 so you can see what the process is like. The other option would be to swap out your brakes with free-backing brakes which do not require a reverse lockout.

Helpful Links

tv-install-trailer-connector-adapter-2010-acura-mdx-c57187.aspx

Reply

Answer 1

The easiest way to find the reverse wire circuit is to use a circuit tester like part #PTW2993. If your back up light is a separate light at the rear of your Highlander, use the circuit tester to check the wire when the truck is in reverse. Have…

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Answer 2

When wiring a trailer connector, it is best to wire by function, as wire colors can vary. We have an excellent wiring diagram on our website, I will provide you a link so you can look at it. If you are looking at the inside of the trailer connector…

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Answer 3

Yes, it will but you'll need a minimum of 2" between the edge of your hitch receiver and the back of the ball mount face. The etrailer Anti-Rattle Hitch Collar item #e38FV extends out 3/4" from the edge of your hitch receiver, this…

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Answer 4

Yes. You can use your existing weight distribution hitch with the Gen-Y Torsion 2 Ball Mount #325-GH-1324 without any additional components, but it is not the optimal setup. Gen-Y recommends that you use the Gen-Y Torsion Weight Distribution Shank -…

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Answer 5

Since coupler height isn't a common measurement that is given by trailer manufacturers I don't have that information readily available but I do believe that I can still help out some. If your Winnebago Micro Minnie 2106DS weighs less than…

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Answer 6

A weight distribution system does not increase a hitch's tongue weight capacity. Rather, it takes weight off of the tongue, helping loads stay stable and level. In other words, if you use a trailer without a weight distribution system with a…

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Answer 7

I recommend the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional Item #C51180. If the dealership is installing the 7 pole connector, this controller doesn't require any additional wires to be ran inside the vehicle. Your…

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Answer 8

Before you can install a trailer brake controller in your 2022 Toyota Highlander you'll first need to make sure that you have a 4-pole wire harness for your lights installed and then a 7-way wire harness to get your brake function. If you…

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Answer 9

The wiring of the Replacement Solenoid Valve #T4748800 is ran to the reverse light circuit of the trailer's wiring connector. Basically one wire will get run to the reverse light circuit and the other wire will get grounded on the trailer frame.…

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Answer 10

To find the reverse light circuit on a vehicle is pretty easy but it may take digging around in the door panels or interior panels of the vehicle. What you need to do is find the wires that lead into the reverse lights on your vehicle. Test both of…

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Answer 11

I'd try to find it near the rear of the vehicle where it feeds into the reverse lights since that's nearest where you'd have a trailer connector. Try to find the wires that run to the reverse light sockets of the taillights and test them…

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Answer 12

Hi Vijay, Since you're wanting to go with a wireless brake controller you can use the Curt Trailer Connector Adapter #C57672 you were looking at and just cap off both the yellow and blue wires with some electrical tape. These can be saved for use…

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How to Locate the Reverse Light Wire on the Back of a 2017 Toyota Highlander

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