Trailer Wiring Harness Recommendation for a 2010 VW Tiguan and Pulse Width Modulation Explained

Updated 09/05/2014 | Published 09/04/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

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etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

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Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

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Question:

What is a Pulse Width Modulation Systems that is required for this part C56200kit. Your ad says it is required. Let me know what is required to make this work for me. Thanks,

asked by: Tom

Expert Reply:

Pulse width modulation is the taillight wiring configuration that is on a lot of modern cars including your 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan. This means that your taillights circuits send varying pulses of power along one wire to operate the different lighting functions of the tail lights. Instead of having a separate wire for each taillight function, (turn signal, brake, taillight), the engineers found a way to carry all of the taillight circuits on one wire. This saves them money because now the taillight assemblies don't have to have as many wires run to them.

Your 2010 Tiguan has this style of taillight circuitry so the part # C59236 that you referenced would work on your vehicle as-is. I attached installation instructions and an install video for you to use as a guide.

If you need a trailer hitch you would also want the part # C13133.

For ball mounts I recommend the etrailer Ball Mount Kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts, 2 balls, a hitch pin with clip, and a carrying bag.

expert reply by: Jameson C