How To Find The Factory Brake Signal Tail Light Wire On A 2013 Mini Cooper
Updated 02/03/2026 | Published 06/23/2024
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Question:
I have a 2013 mini Cooper hardtop. I purchased the Blue ox baseplate, Roadmaster Smart Diode wiring kit, Part Number 153782 and some other towing components to allow me to flat tow it. I have already installed the baseplate and I am currently looking over the wiring instructions that came with the roadster kit. I have also been searching the internet but I am at a loss for which wires I should be tapping into at my tail lights. Attached is a picture of the connector that goes into the back of my tail lights. Each has several different wires coming into it. I am not sure what wires I should be using for the Left side car in and right side car in. What is a good way to test this? I cant find anything specific to my model. I only see things related to the John Cooper works or newer countryman models. Any help would be appreciated.
asked by: Derick G
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(click to enlarge)
Expert Reply:
Hey Derick,
You'll just need a hook & probe tester # PTW2993 to probe into the wires and see what their functions are. You can have someone step on the brake pedal to send power back to the tail light. Using the tester to probe into the wire the brake signal wire should be the only one that lights up.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox Alpha Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,500 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount
- Telescoping - Non-Binding
- Steel
- 8500 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Stores on RV
- Cables Included
- Blue Ox
more information >
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Jameson C.
2/3/2026
Hey Derick, how did things go with testing the tail light wires using the hook and probe tester? Your results could really help others wiring their Mini Cooper for flat towing. Sharing what you found might guide the next person working on a similar setup.