7-Way 2014 Audi Q5 Adapter for Extra Backup Lights to be Activated

Updated 08/20/2025 | Published 08/14/2025

Question:

Your are supposed to be the best in the country, so heres my problem. Im looking for a magic trailer adapter. My car is a 2014 Audi Q5 with the factory 7 pin trailer connector in it. Unfortunately, Audi does not simply leave this powered on unless it detects a trailer is plugged in. I just want a plug, or even a 4-wire adapter, that I can leave plugged in all of the time, which will turn on extra backup lights when I am in reverse. Will ANY of your adapters do this? Thank you.

asked by: Jared

Expert Reply:

Hey Jared, thanks for reaching out!

It's not magic, but we do have the Trailer Connector Adapter w/ Lamp-Out Sensor Bypass # 20142 which essentially puts more of a load on the 7-Way of your 2014 Audi Q5 to ensure it reads properly when something is connected to your 7-Way.

Are your backup lights hardwired in, or do you have them plugged into your factory 7-Way?

expert reply by: Jon G

Jared

8/19/2025

Right now, my auxiliary backup lights are not hooked up. I'd planned to use the factory 7-pin trailer connector but if you have an adapter that fits that, or something "more elegant" that I can tap in internally, I'm open to that option!

Jon G.

8/19/2025

@Jared You can splice in some resistors like the Kit # DI34ZR behind your 7-Way for a more elegant look on the outside, but it will be hard to make it look pretty behind the 7-Way. I've installed these before and they work just like the resistor mentioned above, they just require splicing into OEM wiring and finding a place to get them to sit where they're secured.

Jared

8/19/2025

John, one question that someone brought up in a forum. If this adapter is plugged in, will the car put itself in trailer mode all the while it is plugged in? Or do you have a solution that would allow the car to remsun in normal mode, just allowing the extra backup or other lights to work? Thank you.

Jon G.

8/20/2025

@Jared That's a great question. We haven't tested it, but this load resistor shouldn't be pulling power until your lights are activated so I don't see it causing your Audi to act like a trailer is plugged in full time. If you purchase this and it doesn't work like we're talking about just let me know and I can talk to our team about getting a return set up for you.