How to Install Curt Trailer Wiring Harness # C59236 On a 2012 Audi Q5

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Question:

I bought the Curt Trailer Wiring Harness C59236 for my 2012 Audi Q5 from Etrailer in Oct. of 2012. 2 different Audi dealers and a local foreign car service center have told me that this is incorrect and that it will damage the cars electrics. The dealers and the repair shop recommend that the hitch wiring needs to connect into the panel in the left rear of car with a module and not attaching to the wiring on the right rear side with t-connectors as instructions recommend. The installation was done by the foreign car service center and he had numerous calls to the dealer. He and I was told that the correct harness is only available through Audi and is only sold with the electrics and hitch together. The hitch itself went on exactly as advertised, but without lights I cant use it. Please help me get the right wiring to finish the hitch setup. Thank you.

asked by: Wally H

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I checked with Curt to confirm the wiring harness specified for your 2012 Audi Q5 and it is indeed the Curt # C59236. I also spoke to my technical contact at Curt and he confirmed compatibility with your 2012 Q5. This harness provides isolation and protection of the vehicle electrical system from the trailer lighting.

I have linked the installation instructions for this wiring harness as well as a helpful article. This is a hard-wire type harness that does not use plug-in t-connectors but rather taps into particular wire leads for the vehicle tail light functions in order to generate corresponding signals for your trailer lights. If installed correctly according to the instructions it will not damage the vehicle wiring.

As for the dealer recommendation to buy their Audi OEM harness rather than the Curt, if you were to ask your Audi dealer if it is a good idea to take the vehicle to one of the national oil change companies for routine service he would likely tell you not to, but instead to bring the vehicle to them for oil changes.

expert reply by: Adam R

1

Answer 1

Hi Ashley; we do have a hitch and wiring for your 2025 Chevy Equinox. I recommend the following: -etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2" #e59ZR -Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C44FR I really…

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Answer 2

Hello Andrew. It looks like our installers have not had the privilege of doing an install on a 2025 Chevy Equinox. I see that the wiring harnesses that we do have in stock have the 6 pin connector. It looks like Curt is aware of this issue and is in…

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Answer 3

Hi Cliff; sometimes a wiring harness like the #C44FR still works even without the factory tow package. However, it is required for your 2025 Chevy Equinox EV LT. If you don't have the tow package then your vehicle doesn't have the port to…

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

A tow package for a vehicle is usually a frame mounted trailer hitch and trailer wiring on a vehicle like your 2002 Dodge Dakota. If you have those two things you could pretty easily assume you have the tow package. Or, you can take the VIN of your…

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Answer 6

If you can get the exhaust to sit in its original location after installing the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13363 on your 2018 Jeep Compass then that is what I recommend doing. Sometimes after installing a trailer hitch the exhaust cannot be…

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Answer 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 8

Hey Tim, The ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness #119250KIT is compatible with LED lights and has been used as a go to for years for people who have LED trailer lights. The light function is supposed send a tiny bit of voltage from the…

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Answer 9

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 10

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 11

Hey Edgar, first of all congrats on the new car, those Carnival's look really cool! For a harness with an install video, you will want the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector #CU94FR and check out the…

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Answer 12

Hi David; the good news is the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver #EH92KR does fit the hybrid model of the 2025 Kia Carnival. This has a concealed cross tube so you won't lose a lot of clearance and a bolt-on installation. If you're…

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How to Install Curt Trailer Wiring Harness # C59236 On a 2012 Audi Q5

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