Are Diodes Required to Install Trailer Wiring for a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee to Tow a Trailer

Published 11/17/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Hy-Power Diode - (Qty 1)

(343)

$20.93

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

(116)

$41.88

Question:

I am aware that the only way to hook up my 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee to a trailer harness requires the use of diodes because of the use of seperate turn/brake light wiring in the jeep to a 4 wire common plug configuration. What I want to know is: What is in which direction does the diode get wired into the common 4 wire harness with respect to the individual and seperate 4 tail light bulb harness in the Jeep?

asked by: Hector C

Expert Reply:

To wire your 1999 Jeep Cherokee for towing a trailer, you will need to use a converter, to convert the 3 wire system on your Cherokee to the standard combined 2 wire system that is used on US made trailers. Separate diodes are not required.

The correct wiring harness for your 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness, # C55369. We have an installation video that shows this harness being installed on a 1999 model for you to review.

The wiring harness and converter in this case is attached to a connector that is found behind the driver's side interior panel in the cargo area, see video. In most other cases the harness is installed inline with the vehicle taillight wiring either using vehicle specific connectors or by splicing into the wiring for each circuit. The converter is installed after the connection to the vehicles tail light circuits.

expert reply by: Robert G