What is Purpose of Converter Box On Tow Ready T-One Wiring Harness # 118336 For 2004 Acura MDX

Updated 07/25/2012 | Published 07/23/2012

Question:

What is the black colored converter box located between the vehicle side plug and the trailer plug? What is its purpose? Does it prevent a short in the trailer wiring from taking out the vehicle lights? Kind of an isolator?

asked by: Lance P

Expert Reply:

The black converter box on Tow Ready T-One Wiring Harness, part # 118336, is for use with vehicles, like your 2004 Acura MDX that have separate turn and brake light wires. Some vehicles send only one signal per wire, creating what is called a 3-wire system: one wire for the left turn, one wire for the right turn, and one wire for the brake signal (common on vehicles with amber turn signals). A converter will reduce it to a standard 2-wire system needed for wiring a trailer. There are still additional wires for the running lights and for the ground.

Any vehicle with amber turn signals will need a converter. However, there are some vehicles with all-red tail lights that can also require a converter. A wiring harness with a converter has the black box built in it. Five wires go into the box, and only 4 come out. The converter transfers the brake signal on the vehicle into the left and right turn signals for the trailer wiring system.

I am including a link to the installation instructions on the wiring harness.

expert reply by: Jeff D