Are Fuses Needed on a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee to Activate the Factory Tow Package Trailer Wiring

Published 12/28/2011

Products Featured in This Question

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

(466)

$30.59

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

(372)

$30.47

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(62)

$13.94

Question:

Ive connected this harness to my 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee but do not have full functionality. Tail lights and the only thing that lights. I have no turn signals or brakes. Do I need to add a fuse or relays to my vehicle. Ive watched the Nissan Armada installation video and it connected the exact same way but I have no info on adding fuses or relays. Thanks,

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

If your 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee has the Tow Package installed from the factory but there is no 7-Way or 4-Way connector at the rear of the vehicle, see photos in instructions link, you can add the 4-Way connector, item # 118384, in line with the factory 7-way connector, located behind the rear bumper on the driver's side. To get all of the taillight functions to work properly you would then need to go to the dealer and have them program the computer to activate the brake and turn signal functions.

Since your stop/brake functions are not working, you could use a circuit tester, # PTW2993, to check to see if the vehicle connector is active. If the vehicle side connector does not show the stop and turn signals, you will need to have the dealer program the computer.

Chrysler usually installs the fuses if the vehicle has the tow package option, and relays are not needed, but if you decide to add a 7-Way wiring harness there is a 10-amp fuse that needs to be installed under the hood to activate the 12-volt power supply to the 7-Way harness. The location of this fuse can be found using the legend under the fuse panel lid in the engine compartment.

expert reply by: Robert G