How to Hardwire a Trailer Connector on a 2008 Mercury Mariner

Updated 04/04/2018 | Published 04/02/2018

Question:

I have a 2008 Mercury Mariner w/ backup sensors, however the sensors have not worked for sometime and I have no real use for them. The description states that I must use Modulite wiring harness 118551 and connect directly to the taillights or disable the backup sensor and hardwire to the tow package plug. How does one accomplish this second option? My vehicle has a connector plugged into another connector at the rear drivers side bumper I assume this is the backup sensor plugged into the towing connector/tail lights... do I unplug the sensor connector, cut the plastic connector off the wires on the tail light side, and then hard wire those wires directly to a 4 pin connector? Any info would be appreciated. Thank you.

asked by: Phillip

Expert Reply:

If you do not wish to retain the factory backup sensors on your 2008 Mercury Mariner then you can use the 4-Pole Hardwire Kit with Circuit Tester part # 18252 instead of the Tow Package Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector part # 118251.

In order to do this you will need to cut off the connector that attaches to the backup sensors and splice the above harness into those connections using the included circuit tester. The backup sensors and tow package wiring are on the same connector. I have attached an install video that shows the location of the connector for you.

expert reply by: Conner L