AWD Light Stays On After Installing Trailer Wiring Harness on 2016 Honda CR-V

Updated 06/06/2018 | Published 06/05/2018

Products Featured in This Question

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

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$54.90

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

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$14.40

Question:

I just installed the curt wiring harness for my 2016 CRV. I noticed after the install the AWD light stays on. Is this normal when it is not hooked up to a trailer? Checked the wiring ends with they appear to have the correct power. Flicker for turn signal, solid for brakes and lights. I’m just not sure if the AWD light is a false positive.

asked by: Justin

Expert Reply:

According to the 2016 Honda CR-V's owner's manual the AWD light comes on when there is a problem with the AWD system. And if the light is blinking that indicates the system has overheated and is not functioning. I am not sure how the installation of a trailer wiring harness could affect the AWD system unless there is a short. If there is a short, then the vehicle may think that a trailer is connected. Have you noticed anything different about how the vehicle brakes?

You can check for a short by using a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 or a meter if you have one. Test the 4-Way end on the wiring harness you installed. There should be no power on any of the pins when none of the vehicle lights are on. If there is power, then there is a short and the unit will need to be replaced.

If there is power on the input side when there should not be then check for a bent or broken pin where the harness plugs into the vehicle because that could also cause a short.

expert reply by: Michael H