Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
Item # C59236
Retail:$120.95
Our Price: $98.12
You Save: 19%
Confirmed to Fit
2011 BMW X3
Will this fit?
To see if this custom-fit item will work for you please tell us what vehicle you'll use it with.
Orders above $99 qualify for Free Shipping
In Stock
- All Info
- Reviews (638)
- Q & A (0)
- Photos
- Why etrailer?
2011 BMW X3 - Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Trailer Connectors
- Vehicle End Connector
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- CURT
Install a 4-way flat on your BMW X3 with this splice-in harness. Powered converter connects directly to battery to reduce strain on wiring. Potted, SMT construction boosts water and vibration resistance. Works with 2-wire, 3-wire, and PWM systems.
Features:
- Provides a 4-way flat trailer connector at the back of your vehicle to power your trailer's signal lights
- Compatible with 5-pole, 6-pole and 7-pole adapters (sold separately)
- Ensures that your vehicle's wiring matches that of your trailer
- Works with 2-wire, 3-wire and pulse-width modulation (PWM) systems
- Connects directly to your battery to avoid overloading your vehicle's electrical system
- Constructed using surface-mount technology (SMT) for consistent, reliable performance
- Maximizes trailer light yield and intensity while producing minimal heat
- Ensures superior operation in rough road conditions
- Resists water and vibration thanks to potted enclosure
- Connects directly to your vehicle's wiring with the included quick-splice connectors
- Color-coded wires and wiring guide ease installation
- Comes with dust cap for 4-way flat connector
Specs:
- Maximum amperage:
- Stop/turn lights: 5 amps per circuit
- Tail lights: 7.5 amps per circuit
- Limited 1-year warranty
Installation
To determine where to splice into your vehicle's tail light wiring, you will need to consult the included instructions. Use the quick-splice connectors to attach the input wires of the tail light converter to the corresponding wires from your vehicle. Once you've spliced in the converter, connect the included hot lead to the black wire and run it up to your car battery. Connect the lead to the included fuse holder, and then connect the fuse holder to the positive terminal on your battery.
Then locate a flat surface inside your vehicle near the tail lights and adhere the black converter box using the provided double-sided tape. Find a raw metal surface to use as a ground point and secure the white ground wire using the provided ring terminal and screw. Finally, secure the converter wires to your vehicle using the included cable ties.
It is recommended that you use a small amount of grease on the 4-pole connector to help prevent corrosion.
Powered Tail Light Converter with Surface-Mount Technology
Because most trailers run on a 2-wire system - wherein the brake and turn signals are carried on 1 wire - the signals from your vehicle may have to be converted to be compatible with your trailer's wiring. If your vehicle operates on a 3-wire system, which means that it has separate brake and turn signals, then those signals will need to be combined so that they run on 1 wire to properly activate your trailer's tail lights. This converter will also ensure that your trailer's lights illuminate fully, even if your vehicle has pulse-width modulation (PWM) wiring. Note: This will not affect how the tail lights on your vehicle operate.
This converter is a circuit-protected, battery-powered unit that bypasses the electrical routes that are used by a basic wiring harness. As a result, there is virtually no draw on your tail light circuits.
Curt builds each tail light converter using surface-mount technology (SMT). This method of construction involves soldering electronic components directly to the surface of a printed circuit board. SMT eliminates the need for leads, which are used in older through-hole technology. The result is a circuit board that is smaller yet provides more routing area and that offers superior performance, reliability and durability.
Circuit boards constructed using SMT have been shown to perform better under rough conditions with excessive vibration than those made using the through-hole method. And where would vibration be more likely to occur than in towing applications? Curt converters also produce less heat, leading to increased durability and longer life. In addition, lower levels of resistance ensure better performance, especially for parts that operate at higher frequencies.
Each Curt circuit board is made using high-quality components that are pieced together in the most technologically savvy fashion, leading to greater predictability and reliability in functioning.
59236 Curt Powered Tail Light Converter for 2-Wire, 3-Wire or PWM Systems - 4-Way Flat Harness
Replaces 59200
Installation Details
California residents: click here
Customer Satisfaction Score:
90% were satisfied with this product
10% of customers were not satisfied
- Wrong item was ordered
- Product did not meet expectations
- Did not fit
Customer Reviews
Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector - C59236
Average Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (638 Customer Reviews)
Install a 4-way flat on your vehicle with this splice-in harness. Powered converter connects directly to battery to reduce strain on wiring. Potted, SMT construction boosts water and vibration resistance. Works with 2-wire, 3-wire, and PWM systems.by: Charles08/29/2022
Would not work for my vehicle. I had to repin the connector to get it to work properly. NON led lights.
This was not in the description anywhere that this part would not work with non led lights.
Comments
Sorry for the confusion but it does say under the confirmed fit without LED taillights
-- 
David B - 09/06/2022by: James 11/04/2022
Volkswagen
This converter worked great on my 2018 VW Alltrack. The way I've got it installed, all the wiring is inside the trunk and never exposed to the weather so I expect it'll last a while. When I hook up a trailer I just pull the leads out, and close the trunk lid on the wire. As long as you don't close it on the actual 4-pin connector there's plenty of clearance between the trunklid and the floor while closed so the wires don't get pinched.
by: Jonathan02/16/2023
Works great, have used it many times this past year to tow a small trailer and sailboat with my 2013 Chevy Volt. Seems to be very safe and secure so far.
by: Greg 02/19/2023
2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
My tail light converter just arrived, on time, and with the detailed installation videos available from Curt, like those for my hitch installation, I don't anticipate any major issues!
by: John 03/24/2023
Shipping was super fast and arrived in great shape. Hitch was the easiest install of the 4 previous hitches. Hopefully the wiring goes as well.
by: Barry05/06/2022
2015 Audi Q7
2017 Audi q7 is a "2 wire" setup. I finally figured that out, grounded the red wire and everything works beautifully. I also pulled my power from the fuse box in the left rear luggage area. The red bus has 25 amp fuses. I installed a buddy fuse adapter with the 15 amp fuse that came with this kit. That saved me a lot of time taking apart panels to get to the battery.
Comments
You mentioned that you wired the power wire to the fuse box in the left rear luggage area. I wanted to let you know that it is not recommended using the 12-volt power outlet in the trunk area. The purpose of the powered harness is to eliminate the power draw on the vehicle rear electrical circuitry. Taking power directly from the vehicle battery is the only way to eliminate the draw on the vehicle electrical system.
-- Jenny N - 05/06/2022Routing the Power Wire for a Trailer Wiring Harness
![Routing the Power Wire for a Trailer Wiring Harness]()
by: Andrew04/13/2021
Installation stretched my limits, but we will blame that on the car and on my narrow limits. It is a tight and clean install. Has worked flawlessly this past year. I used it just yesterday to haul junk and brush about 100 miles for disposal. I would definitely buy this hitch again.
Comments
Wiring harnesses are the bane of my existence. This one was more work to install than the non-powered alternatives. But it has been trouble free. Just sold the car a week ago. I am sure the new owner will have no complaints.
Andrew - 04/15/2022by: Kevin10/11/2022
2016 Volkswagen Golf
Got this to install in my 2016 Volkswagen Golf. I had a mechanic do this one, which gave me the option of the 4-way connector, then proceeded to install a 4-way-to-7-way adapter in addition to running a line from the car battery, to tow a 13' Scamp fiberglass trailer. 2 years later, it's still working just fine, no problems or issues.
by: Daniel01/13/2023
Chrysler Pacifica
I put this on a Chrysler Pacifica. Worked flawlessly for the year that I had. I tow a trailer at least weekly.
by: Justin02/06/2023
Quick and easy install, tutorial videos were big help, will always buy from etrailer now
by: JON12/13/2020
2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
I tried to follow the directions and code the wires to the car's function. The brake/directional were on the same wire and easy. However, the taillight was testing on two of the remaining wires. I called for clarification and was given the incorrect wire by two different techs. I had to cut that wire and attach to the remaining wire and everything appears to be working properly now.
Comments
One year later and about 3000 miles on the wiring, everything is working as it should. It is scary to close the tailgate on the wiring, but appears to be okay. Just dont get it near the latch!
Jon R - 12/14/2021by: Randall03/09/2023
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander
My experience was smooth and pleasant from start to presently still purchasing items...fast shipping all the way on each order i place.
by: Seth 09/13/2022
2010 BMW X5
Excellent directions. Supporting installation directions online were good too. Has been working great for the last year with no issues. I would highly recommend if you are looking for the 4-pole flat connector setup. Installed on 2010 BMW X5.
by: Joel 10/26/2022
Bought it with a tester light. Had a local window tinting and stereo shop install in hours.
by: James08/09/2022
Well I ordered the wrong wiring because I was told my car wasn't wired for a trailer package. I later found the plugs and returned this one and got the right one. it was very simple to install.
by: Tim S11/26/2015
2013 Audi Q5
Pretty straight forward install on a 2013 Audi Q5 S-Line.
There is an ground lug on the rear inside panel right next to a convenient spot to mount the unit.
I removed the silver panel along the tailgate sill to route the power wire and the trailer plug tail before I started. It clips off easily, and you can reach between the side panel and the battery compartment with your fingers. There's a small electrical connector on the panel, so be careful to disconnect it before yanking on it. Make sure you replace this panel as soon as you have routed the wires, as that electrical connector is to two micro switches that detect if the door is closed... there is no power to the rear lights while the tailgate is up, so this panel needs to be in place before you start wiring.
Correct wires were easy to locate. The 2013 Q5 is a little different to the wiring types listed in the instructions, as while the brake runs off the turn signals, there is a separate tail light wire. If you are probing for the wires, close the tailgate, and climb in through the rear passenger door.
Here are the correct splices off the tan connector...
Tail Light (Brown) - splice to Black with Green trace
Left Signal (Yellow) - splice to Gray with Black Trace
Right Signal (Green) - splice to Gray with Blue trace
Red and White both Grounded together.
The only issue I had was that the blue splice connectors supplied are too big for the fine wires on the Audi, so when I tested the install, I had nothing working. I replaced the blue connectors with the smaller red ones, and all worked perfectly then.
Start to finish, about 90 minutes.
by: Tom06/11/2022
Worked for the first trip and then lost brake and tail lights. Frustrating for an expensive converter.
Comments
It would be frustrating for the harness to only work once. I recommend doing a little trouble shooting to see if it is the harness and if it needs to be replaced. Pleased see the FAQ below.
-- Jenny N - 06/15/2022
by: Hudson08/23/2021
Great service from order placement to shipping. Installation without a hitch and any questions were quickly answered by instructions or you tube video. Make sure to habe the right tool for the plastic rivets.
by: Charles03/18/2021
worked great.had it installed by professional and no problems. use it a lot. however, the wiring harness was the wrong one but the pro was able to fix the problem. need better info for wiring.
Comments
Hi Charles, Thanks for your feedback! This wiring harness is designed to fit in your 2020 Kia Soul as long as you have the LED light package.
-- Tyler M - 03/23/2021use it a lot. always works . cant get better than that
Charles - 03/22/2022by: Michael03/09/2023
2017 BMWX3
The video of the install on my exact car, model and year, made this very easy. I’ve never wired anything in my life and the kit made it very easy.
by: Richard09/09/2022
2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
This is the economy priced powered converter, requiring physical connections, vs the induction pickups of the expensive setup. A little more time, but saves $$$
by: Duwayne03/23/2023
Your product worked great and was easy to install.
by: Jay 03/04/2023
I really like the product it was easy to install the directions easy to follow
by: Ken03/24/2018
BMW
2009 bmw 528i. you almost can't see the trailer hitch below the bumper. I've NEVER seen a Beemer pulling a trailer.............
Electrical hookup was just as the instructions said. BMW has the battery in the right side of the trunk so power hookup was easy.
I put the pig-tail down in the spare tire well when not in use.
Feel free to use whatever pics you see fit.
Great product and install videos.
by: Tony 09/05/2022
I have a repair shop and after client's want a hitch installed, will buy again
25
638
Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this CURT Trailer Wiring
- Part Needed to Add 4-Way to 2008 Nissan ArmadaYou can add a 4-way trailer connector to your 2008 Nissan Armada, but there is not a piece that runs from from the back of the vehicle to under the dashboard, what you would need to do is hardwire in a 4-way with the following part: - Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C59236 This will splice into your Armada's tail lights, and I have added a link below to the installation instructions for you to check out.
view full answer... - CURT 59236 Multi-Function Taillight Converter Kit problems with 2009 Audi Q5Since the Curt # C59236 is a universal application, Curt doesn't have any vehicle specific information or advice to share, but I believe the warning error you're getting is almost certainly a good clue that the problem lies somewhere in the left turn/brake lamp circuit. I'd recommend checking the connection where the yellow wire from the converter box interfaces with the factory vehicle taillight wiring harness. If you paid to have the Curt # C59236 installed, in my opinion whomever you...
view full answer... - Will the Curt C59236 fit a 2018 Audi Q7 with LED Tail Lights?The Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat # C59236 is specifically designed for vehicles with LED lights. As most LED systems do not supply enough power for the trailer light, so this includes a 12 gauge power wire that runs up to the battery to get the needed power. We haven't done an install with this on a 2018 Q7, but I did include a video we did on a 2008 Q7 for you to check out.
view full answer... - Trailer Wiring Harness Recommendation for 2006 Volkswagen GTI with Separate WiringThe Curt trailer wiring harness part # C59236 that you referenced is confirmed as a fit for your 2006 Volkswagen GTI and has a converter box that is designed to adapt the vehicle wiring style you have to the correct combined trailer wiring needed. You'll run your separate vehicle wiring to the converter box which will then combine the circuits onto the same wiring of the 4-way of the kit.
view full answer... - Recommended Vehicle Wiring Harness For 2021 Toyota VenzaWe have not had a chance to install a vehicle wiring harness on a 2021 Toyota Venza yet, but the harnesses for your vehicle are a splice in harness that we have installed quite a few of. Out of the available harness I recommend the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C59236 which will get connected to your factory wiring by the included quick splices, and will use a dedicated power wire run directly to the vehicle's battery with the included fuse to protect...
view full answer... - How To Install Curt Powered Tail Light Converter On Mini CountrymanThe Curt Powered Tail Light Converter part # C59236 is a universal trailer wiring harness. Therefore, specific year make and model installation instructions are not available. That said, the installs really don't vary much from vehicle to vehicle so you can use any of our videos to assist. The steps to get to the taillight and color of wires would really be the only difference. I have attached a sample video below.
view full answer... - Can The Power Wire From Curt 4-way Connector C59236 Be Hooked To Existing Circuit?The Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C59236 for your 2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI Sportwagen needs the power wire run directly to the battery with the included 15-amp fuse to make sure you are not overloading an existing circuit. Connecting the black wire to your existing 12v plug would void the warranty of the # C59236, and if the circuit has a fuse over 15 amps could cause the converter to burn up due to being overloaded. I included a video of the #...
view full answer... - Professional Install Time of Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer ConnectorThe installation time of the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part # C59236 will vary by application. That said, the average professional install time I would estimate as two hours.
view full answer... - How to Stop Parking lights Pulsing on a Trailer With LED LightsThis can be a fairly common issue with trailers that have LED lights being towed with a vehicle that also uses LED lights. The higher amperage being pushed through the wiring harness can cause lights to pulse and is usually a pretty easy fix. Multiple lights are generally installed to a trailer with a single ground source. With your situation, you will need to have a dedicated ground for each light. This should cause the run off to dissipate into the frame and solve the pulsing issue.
view full answer... - 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for 1991 Jeep CherokeeFor your 1991 Jeep Cherokee I recommend using the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter # C59236. This system uses a powered converter so that I does not pull extra power from your Cherokee's taillight wiring. This will protect the wires from becoming damaged to due excessive power draw. Para su Jeep Cherokee 1991, recomiendo usar el convertidor de luz trasera con motor Curt # C59236. Este sistema utiliza un convertidor alimentado para que no extraiga energía adicional del cableado de las...
view full answer... - How To Install Curt Powered Tail Light Converter On 2017 Audi A4The Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part # C59236 is a fit for a 2017 Audi A4. The Audi has a separate wiring system with pulse width modulation. This means the brake and turn signals are sent along separate wires and signals are sent as pulses. Therefore, it can be hard to test for the correct wires. I wouldn't be able to give exact wire color information which I think is what you're looking for but what I can recommend is using a fluke meter which...
view full answer... - Recommended Trailer Wiring Harness for a 2001 Mercedes-Benz 430CLKI recommend the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part # C59236 for a 2001 Mercedes-Benz 430CLK. It provides a standard 4-way trailer connector which is what will be used on most trailers. It does require splicing but this will be the only option for this vehicle.
view full answer... - Does Power Wire for curt Powered Tail Light Converter Need to be Connected for 2004 GMC JimmyI'm not seeing any custom fit wiring options for your 2004 GMC Jimmy so if you're installing something like the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter # C59236 then yes, you will need to connect the ground to a clean, bare-metal surface and then route the power wire up to your battery to power the unit.
view full answer... - Installation of the Curt Wiring Harness C59236 on my 2011 BMW X5On German vehicles there is a right side warning light that is mandated over there. You will need to find the actual running light rather than the right side safety light. Check out the video I've linked on the 2014 model that can help identify the one you want.
view full answer... - Which Style of Taillights Does 2010 Volvo V50 Have for Installing Trailer WiringActually your 2010 Volvo V50 shouldn't have PWM style taillight wiring. Instead it's just considered separate wiring which you can easily use the # C59236 by using the 3 wire wiring instructions.
view full answer... - Recommended Trailer Wiring Harness for a 2009 Kia Sportage 4-CylinderThe trailer wiring harness I recommend for a 2009 Kia Sportage 4-Cylinder is the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter part # C59236. The Curt harness is going to provide you will all of the standard trailer lighting functions such as stop, turn, and running. In regards to installation, you will need to splice into three circuits on the vehicle using the supplied quick-splice connectors but this is not nearly as hard as it may sound. There will also be a few other connections as well but nothing...
view full answer... - Trailer Wiring Install Video for Curt Harness on 2018 Ford EcoSportThe easiest way I can show you how to install the Curt trailer wiring harness # C59236 on your 2018 Ford EcoSport is by having have you check out the install video I attached for this on a 2018 EcoSport just like yours.
view full answer... - Can I use the 12V Socket to Power my Curt Powered Tail Light Converter ?The Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part # C59236 requires a connection directly to the battery using the provided in line fuse holder. It is more of a safety issue than anything else. There is no way to determine what wire size and what other items in the vehicle are on that same circuit. With too much draw damage can occur to the vehicles electrical system. This is why we can only recommend that you hook directly to the battery per the manufacturer's...
view full answer... - Troubleshooting Trailer Wiring Converter Box that Has Voltage on Input Side but Not OutputYou definitely have a bad module since you tested the input side of the # C59236 and it's fine there but not there on the output side. I checked your order notes and didn't see your in our system ordering this but you'd want to contact the retailer you did buy it from to see about a warranty replacement!
view full answer... - How To Route Power Wire Through Fire Wall When Installing 4-Pole Trailer ConnectorPassing the power wire through the fire wall is different on almost every type and year model of vehicle. It sounds like you have found some entry points through the fire wall to wire the power wire of # C59236. If you can find a grommet with fewer wires running through it, you can try to cut a small slit on the side of the grommet and push the power wire through that. It is okay for the power wire to be pass through an existing hole with other wires just be careful not to puncture any...
view full answer...
- LED Vehicle Lights With Incandescent Trailer LightsIn order to safely avoid overloading your vehicle's wiring system, you would need to have a trailer wiring harness with a powered converter that supplies power to the trailer lights similar to the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4 pole flat # C59236 . If your vehicle has a factory tow package that came with a wiring harness installed, you'll likely already have a powered converter installed in-line with the wiring harness. This allows you to safely run the incandescent trailer lights...
view full answer... - Both Signals Blink When Activating Left Turn Signal After Installing Curt Converter C59236Really the only reason that both the right and left signals would blink when you activate the left turn signal is insufficient ground on the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part # C59236. You want to make sure the ground of the wiring harness is attached to a clean bare metal surface of the Audi's frame free of paint or debris. I have attached a helpful article on 4-way wiring for your reference.
view full answer... - Why Is Curt Wiring Harness Blowing FusesThe Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C59236 you purchased from our website keeps blowing fuses because of a short somewhere that you will need to locate. You said the wire has no frayed points but a short is the only reason you'd be getting blown fuses. The converter you bought from us will be good to go once you find this short, which can be more than frayed wires. You will have to do a thorough check for any crimped, broken or otherwise damaged...
view full answer...
- Comparing The Curt # 56146KIT With The Curt # 59236 For 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SportThe major difference between the discontinued 56146KIT and the # C59236 is the maximum amperage and the construction of the converter. The # C59236 is resists water and vibration due to potted enclosure. Both will work on your 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, but the # C59236 is a slightly heavier duty unit.
view full answer...
Do you have a question about this Trailer Wiring?
Why etrailer.com?
At etrailer.com we guarantee:Real product know-how.
We make sure that the products we sell are what we say they are, and that they work the way they are supposed to work. Get real advice from a real person who has the knowledge and expertise needed to solve your problem.Most detailed, accurate trailer wiring information available.
Because we take providing accurate product information seriously, we take our own detailed product photos, demo videos and installation videos, as well as verify measurements, instructions, and vehicle fit information.Installations, made easy.
We love helping people and have the most highly-trained customer service, hands-on experience, step by step videos and installation instructions.Fast shipping.
Your order is automatically routed to get out of our warehouse and to your door as quickly as possible. Receive free shipping on orders over $99.Personalized service for life.
We provide one-on-one, personalized service from the ordering process through the life of your product.Trusted since 1946.
We've been serving customers since our parts store first opened in 1946 and continue to be recognized by our customers, our vendors and third parties for exceptional service.Returns Policy
Need to return an item? No problem. Please read our Returns Policy for more information.
Info for this part was:
Expert Research:
Mike L
Expert Research:
Michael H
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Expert Research:
Adam R
Expert Research:
Jeffrey L
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Video Edited:
Joshua S
Video Edited:
Jacob T
Video Edited:
Dustin K
Video Edited:
Chris R
Video by:
Kathleen M
Video by:
Zach D
Video by:
Jonathan Y
Video by:
Michael B
Video by:
Jacob H
Installed by:
Cole B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Updated by:
Jenny M
Updated by:
Kristina F
Updated by:
Isabelle B
Written by:
Kristen H
Test Fit:
Brent H
Test Fit:
Shane H
Test Fit:
Robert C
Test Fit:
Conner L
Test Fit:
David F
Test Fit:
Ryan G
Test Fit:
Clayton O
At etrailer.com we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.
Product Experts Available Now!
Call 1-800-940-8924
Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.
Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.