How to Route Trailer Wiring After Making the Connections on a 2004 Honda Element

Updated 09/07/2011 | Published 09/04/2011

Question:

I had no problem following the instructions for connecting the wiring harness to the wiring in the side panel next to the wheel well. However, I could not determine how to run the wire out of the Element to the trailer wiring - the instructions do not appear to explain this. In addition, I could not find an obvious place to do this. Can you explain?

asked by: Ed K

Expert Reply:

You are correct, the instructions, linked for reference, do not specify how you would run the 4-Way from the connection point on your 2004 Honda Element to he out side of the vehicle.

There are a couple of ways you can do this. First, you can stow the 4-Way in the vehicle and then when needed, pull it out of the back door/hatch. You can close the hatch on the wiring as long as it is not pinched in a locking or hinging mechanism. The weather stripping on the rear door will prevent the wiring from being smashed.

The other option is to try to route it down through a hole or grommet in the very bottom of the vehicle. You will need to seal up any holes you make with silicone to keep out fumes and moisture. Route the 4-Way to the back of the vehicle and to the hitch. The drawback of this method is that the wiring may not be long enough depending on how you need to route it. And you may have to potentially add holes in the vehicle.

expert reply by: Michael H