Is it Necessary to Connect the Power Wire to the Battery on a 2013 Chrysler 200

Updated 08/20/2013 | Published 08/16/2013

Question:

Is it necessary to run the leed from the connector to the battery terminal? Would not the power supply from the connectors be enough to power the trailer lights? I have a small 8foot utility trailer I only use occassionally that has two tail lights and two side markers.

asked by: Richard W

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes, it is necessary to run the lead from the Wiring # C56211 that runs from the battery to the trailer connector. This wire carries the voltage necessary to power the trailer lamps. The wires that are connected to the tail light assemblies tell the converter that the vehicle tail lights, turn signals or brake lights are operating, but do not provide the voltage for the lamps.

Vehicle manufactures have determined that the circuits feeding the tail light assemblies on the vehicle cannot handle the load of the vehicle lamps plus the extra power needed to light the trailer lights, which is why the voltage for the trailer lights is pulled directly from the battery, instead of being pulled through the vehicle wiring.

I have attached both the installation instructions and a FAQ article covering the routing of the power wire.

expert reply by: Lori W