How Does Trailer Wiring Install on a 2008 Saab 9-3

Updated 05/28/2020 | Published 11/06/2014

Question:

I have a Saab 9-3 aero.2008 and purchased wire kit with hitch. The parking light and brake light are one wire for one of the bulbs. When brake applied, extra current goes to the bulb to make it brighter. I did not get a wire diagram with wire kit. How do I wire it?

asked by: Bruce H

Expert Reply:

I attached a set of installation instructions for the wiring kit you have part # C59496 to the right.

But basically, some vehicles (like yours I believe) combine the stop and taillight functions onto one circuit.

These vehicles will require that you attach the trailer light power module red stop wire to that same circuit on the vehicle and then ground the brown tail light circuit.

Some vehicles combine stop and tail light functions onto 1 circuit and then also have an additional tail light function wire that is independent of the stop. These vehicles will require that you attach the trailer light power module red stop wire to the same combined circuit on the vehicle and then attach the brown tail light circuit to the independent circuit on the vehicle.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Zak

5/25/2020

I'm looking to install a a towing package on my Saab 9-3 2008 2.0 Turbo four cylinder sedan I need all accessories and clarification on wiring harness also wondering if I need a separate wiring harness for the brakes on the trailer and I need it tow hitch can you help me possibly find a package that has all of these together with wiring diagrams Etc and clear up if I need one wiring harness or two I don't know if one is for the lights and one is for the brakes or if they're both in the same way we harness please and thanks

Chris R.

5/28/2020

Starting with the hitch, the Curt # C11326 will work perfectly. Then for wiring I recommend the Tekonsha # C59496. This is a universal, hardwire kit (no custom options are available for your Saab) that will provide you with a 4-Way to power the trailer's signal lights. If the trailer is also equipped with electric brakes, you'll need to upgrade this to a 7-Way with the Wiring Kit # ETBC7L. Once that 7-Way is in place you'll then need a brake controller and I specifically recommend the Curt Echo # C51180, which will simply plug into the 7-Way itself and pair to your smart phone via Bluetooth. I wish I had specific wiring diagrams for your Saab 9-3 but you'll just need to test the factory wires behind the tail lights for function when installing the harness.