Can I Connect the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness to the Cigarette Lighter on my 2016 Mazda CX-5

Updated 05/18/2016 | Published 05/15/2016

Products Featured in This Question

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(96)

$68.94

Mounting Bracket 4-Pole Flat

(6105)

$9.66

48" Long 4-Pole Loop with Cover

(99)

$10.75

Question:

Question #1: With this wiring harness, rather than running the lead up tot he battery, would you not be able to tap into the rear cigarette lighter at the back of the vehicle? Wouldnt this provide the same power? For as few of times I will use the trailer it seems much cleaner to do this, if its possible. Question #2: When this is all done the instructions are to just pull out the cable, and run it outside down near the middle of the lift gate to hook to the trailer, is there a more clean, permanent way to run the power connected down through the trunk and permanently fasten it somewhere, similar to how a truck would attach to their bumper and it always stays there? Nothing sticking out the back while in use.. Thanks

asked by: Edward J

Expert Reply:

The T-One Wiring Harness # 118563 will fit your 2016 Mazda CX-5 but needs to connect to the battery. This wiring harness has a powered converter so it requires a direct connection to the vehicle battery to power the trailer lights. Connecting the harness to the battery protects the vehicle wiring and electrical components from damage. Tapping into a 12 volt outlet of your 2016 Mazda CX-5 could over load the circuit and the vehicle's electrical system would be more vulnerable. We have experienced failures with customers who spliced into accessory outlets. Also, the manufacturer can void the warranty if something went wrong and the wiring harness was not connected directly to the vehicle battery.

The only ways to run the power connector through the trunk and out to the bumper for your vehicle would be to find a grommet in the back of your vehicle near your spare tire, if available. There are plugs to close the holes, but you can push the connecter out of your trunk, if it will fit.

If you do not have a grommet you will have to drill a hole through the floor of your vehicle and feed the connector out this way. However, because you probably do not want to drill an 1-1/2" hole, you can drill a hole big enough for the wire, cut the harness, feed the wire through the hole and splice the end back on. However, once you cut the wire for the harness, it voids the warrantee. If you wanted to drill a hole, I would recommend to connect 48" 4-Pole Extension # HM47115 to the wiring harness and cut the extension instead. Then you can feed this wire through the hole and use the end of the connector to hang off the bumper. This way the warrantee for the actual wiring harness is still valid.

To permanently mount the harness to the back of your 2016 Mazda CX-5 after feeding the harness through, I recommend the 4-way mounting bracket # 18144.

The installation instructions for this wiring harness are attached and a review video for the harness.