Does Hitch Installation Affect Operation of Lift Gate Sensors on 2019 Honda Pilot Touring

Updated 05/25/2020 | Published 03/29/2019

Question:

There is a sensor underneath the vehicle which allows for opening the tailgate hands free. Will the trailer hitch prevent this function from working?

asked by: Adam

Expert Reply:

A vehicle like your 2019 Honda Pilot that has lift gate sensors has several of these positioned along the rear bumper. When an aftermarket hitch like # e98840 is installed it may block the center one but the other sensors will continue to function. In practical terms this just means you may need to swing your foot over to the side to trigger one of those other sensors for the lift gate.

I linked the written instructions for etrailer hitch # e98840 as well as a complete installation video.

expert reply by: Adam R

Gene C.

5/19/2020

I have a 2020 Honda passport elite. This is equipped with a lift gate sensor and want to know what drawtite class three hitch will work and still use the foot sensor. Is it possible to relocate the sensor? What additional wiring will I need from you to operate simple trailer lights, I believe it's 4 post plug in, no electric brakes. Thank you.

Chris R.

5/22/2020

Both trailer hitches available for your 2020 Honda Passport, including the Draw-Tite # 76290, have the potential for affecting the lift gate feature. It's hard to say for certain because the sensor locations can differ - and just a tiny bit one way or another is the difference between it blocking the sensors completely or simply requiring you to wave your foot more to one side. You might check with Honda to see if there is a sensor relocation kit available if needed. For a 4-Way harness the Tekonsha # 118809 will work perfectly.

Gene C.

5/22/2020

@ChrisR Thank you for the quick response, I will follow up with Honda and will get back to etrailer to order what I need.