Running Power and Ground Wires on a 2009 Toyota Rav4

Published 09/16/2009

Question:

I recently bought a 2009 Rav4 6 cyl. Ltd. I connected the snaps but power and grounding routing is confusing. Any details would help. I can see people saying the heck with the direct power connection and now you have a safety issue w/ overheating of existing wiring.

asked by: Bob S

Expert Reply:

Wiring the power wire on the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector, # 118412, should not be all that daunting. It just takes a little patience and when you are complete you will be glad you have the protection for the circuitry in your vehicle.

Either route the black wire through a grommet and along the exterior frame or follow the existing wiring along the thresholds into the engine compartment, up to the battery, avoiding areas that may pinch or break the wire.

You should be able find a grommet at the rear that you can cut a small slit in and then run the wire forward using zip ties to tie the wire up out of the way of moving or hot areas of the vehicle.

The ground wire can be attached to any suitable metal surface as long as you take care not to install the screw into an exterior panel or run the screw into some existing wiring behind a panel. If you can find an existing ground stud that would be a good location also.

expert reply by: Robert G