How to Connect the Ground Wire on a 4-Way Flat Wiring Harness

Updated 07/19/2012 | Published 07/17/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins Endurance 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector - Trailer End - Ergonomic Design

(119)

$9.63

Hex Screw - Self Drilling Unslotted Washer Head #8 x 1/2"

(33)

$2.09

Ring Terminal - 12-10 Gauge Wire - 3/16" Ring ID

(69)

$1.33

Hopkins Endurance 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector w/ 48" Harness and Ergonomic Pull

(52)

$11.06

Question:

Do you simply connect white ground from vehicle into white ground wire on harness?

asked by: Jeff

Expert Reply:

The Hopkins Endurance 4-way Flat Trailer End Connector, # HM48110, that you referenced is the harness that goes on a trailer, not a vehicle. The 4-way connector for your vehicle is the Hopkins Endurance 4-Way Flat Vehicle End Connector, # HM48030. You can connect the white ground wire from the wiring harness to a vehicle ground, but you should verify that the white wire on your vehicle is in fact a ground wire.

In most cases the white wire from the wiring harness is attached to a clean, bare metal surface on the vehicle with a self tapping screw like part number, # 101131802, and a ring terminal, # 44-5310A. The vehicle end wiring harness even comes with a ring terminal already attached to the end of the ground wire. A good ground location would be the vehicle frame or sheet metal that is not painted.

expert reply by: John H