Trailer Connector Location to Install Tow Ready Harness part # 118461 on a 1998 Subaru Legacy

Updated 06/03/2014 | Published 06/02/2014

Question:

I have a 1998 Subaru Legacy Outback 4WD. I have been unable to locate the connection point despite spending a few hours on it and removing the upper interior trim. As best as I can see, it is neither on the drivers nor the passengers side near the tail lights. Some guidance on where else to look would be appreciated.

asked by: Al W

Expert Reply:

I'll give you all of the customer advice we've had to help you find the connector to install the Tow Ready Harness part # 118461. The first one I believe is the most likely solution.

The wiring harness was a simple plug in, by the left tailight, but a little tricky to get it to run out of the car. There actually was an oval rubber body plug up under the fender that you can just barely see from inside, and you can feel from outside, that I popped out and put a hole in for the wiring harness to go through. It was also a little tricky to get back in place with the wires in it, but it ended up working out nicely. To remove that panel you remove the plastic trim around the tie down loops and pull the panel up. I removed some of the styrofoam under this panel to mount the module. The connector can then be fished easily up to the tail light connector. See picture.

It was a matter of running my hand along the wiring harness found in the spare tire well until I felt a pronounced lump under the tape. On this particular car, the connector was in the right rear corner of the tire well.

The harness was located on the drivers side behind the removable panel. It was folded up on itself and really hard to get at, but after some yanking it came apart and the rest was easy.

Opened, tailgate, lifted spare tire cover and immediately located connector.

expert reply by: Jameson C