Troubleshooting 2012 Volkswagen Golf Curt Wiring Not Working with Trailer Lights
Updated 10/30/2025 | Published 02/09/2025
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I used the Curt 59496 as it was recommended on a forum for a 2012 VW Golf, although I’m seeing this technically does not fit my vehicle according to the website. I do have VLAND LED taillights as well. The issue I’m running into is the brake lights and turn signals run off of the same wire, and at the trailer, it’s pretty evident the brake lights seem to be on the whole time, and the turn signals do blink but it is relatively faint, and the running lights seem to be about just as bright as the brake lights. So it seems as if the brakes are full powered the whole time, the taillights are muddled by the brake lights, and the turn signals do blink, but you can barely tell. Looking for help, thank you very much!
asked by: Aaron L
Expert Reply:
Hey Aaron, thanks for reaching out!
Did others say they were able to successfully use the Wiring # C59496 with a 2012 Volkswagen Golf? The only real difference between the Curt # C59236 and the wiring you've installed is the one we recommend is rated for higher amps (5 for stop/turn and 7.5 for tail/running) while yours is rated for 3 amps for both of those.
I'm just wondering if the issues you're seeing have to do with the amount of power being provided to the trailer since both of these connect directly to the battery in your VW for power.
When wiring issues pop up like this, we usually tell people to check their wiring connections as well as the grounds to make sure everything is solid. Let me know what you find with the wiring as well as what others in your forum have said about the installation, and I can try to help you continue to troubleshoot.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Powered Tail Light Converter w/ 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Vehicle End Connector
- Powered Converter
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- Splice-In
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Where Do I Plug In Curt T-Connector C56040 On A 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid?
- Q&A: Availability of Custom Wiring Harness for 2026 Subaru Forester
- Q&A: Recommended Hitch for a 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid
- Q&A: Plug And Play Trailer Connector 4 Way Flat For 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2025 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Q&A: Recommended Hitch and Trailer Wiring for a 1998 Ford E-350 Short Bus
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Trailer Hitch Installation Tips
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
Jon G.
10/30/2025
Hey Aaron, what did you find when you checked the wiring and grounds on your Golf? It’d be great to know if that cleared up the dim turn signals and bright brake lights. Your update could help others running into the same issue with the Curt wiring.