Mopar Tow Package (XJ)
#16
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Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
You might have one already, tucked away behind the spare. If it exists, that's where it lives, unless someone added one later and did stupid by putting it under the car. Much mo bettah to have it tucked away in a dry location where it has access to all the inputs it needs (they all come down the driver side, then the passenger side wires jump over to their destination).
#17
Banned
It's on my WJ, but I think we are talking about the same thing? One of those is just a 4-pin connector leading to the trailer lights. The other one with the different wiring (with the red wire.) allows the signals to be displayed properly in a two bulbs only system trailer lighting, how it was described.. My WJ actually has the green plug n play connector located behind the rear interior panel as you can see it there in the pictures. I was limited on time when I needed this to get done though. So, I just spliced into the wiring here at this location as if it wasn't there. Any auto parts store is likely to have it in stock, what you need to get it done.
Last edited by Noah911; 10-31-2019 at 08:21 AM.
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Jpoe0108 (10-31-2019)
#18
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Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I removed the hitch and wiring (all Uhaul) from mine, but there was a controller behind the spare tire with a bunch of wires coming out of it. One side connected to the vehicle. The other to the lights. It was the size of maybe 2 packs of cigerettes. I dont know what was inside of it as far as relays, etc. as i tossed it, but i remember the FSM showing two relays. One for the left turn, and one for the right. Both tied into the left tail and brake light. So there is more to it than simply splicing some wires together.
#19
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Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
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Engine: 4.0
It's on my WJ, but I think we are talking about the same thing? One of those is just a 4-pin connector leading to the trailer lights. The other one with the different wiring (with the red wire.) allows the signals to be displayed properly in a two bulbs only system trailer lighting, how it was described..
I have never seen, nor can I imagine, any combination of wiring that will allow that. A controller of some kind must be used. There has to be logic and switching to make it happen. You can get turn signals on the trailer, or you can get brake lights, but you can't get both. (You can get running lights with either one, but not with both.)
That's what you need. That controller is probably solid state, rather than having any relays inside of it.
Just for giggles, a few years ago I tried to create a circuit that would mimic the controller box, using relays. (I had a few dozen Ford relays I had gotten from a surplus house.) I fiddled with it for weeks, but the best I could do was (going from memory her) about 4 or 5 relays PER SIDE.
It was a fun exercise, but in no way practical!
Considerably more!
#20
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[QUOTE=BlueRidgeMark;3580108
I have never seen, nor can I imagine, any combination of wiring that will allow that. A controller of some kind must be used. There has to be logic and switching to make it happen. You can get turn signals on the trailer, or you can get brake lights, but you can't get both. (You can get running lights with either one, but not with both.) = QUOTE]
Let me tell you something;
What you see in that picture will get you tail lights, brake lights, left turn signal, and right turn signal functions for a two bulb trailer lights set-up.
It is not just some spliced in random combination of wiring. The black piece with the red wire IS the controller. It provides logic and switching... Do you see the white wire coming from it where I grounded it out with a screw onto the metal?
(edited to add):
To hook it up literally only requires simply splicing in some wires.. and finding somewhere to screw down the ground. It took longer to remove the rear cover than to actually hook the thing up!
I have never seen, nor can I imagine, any combination of wiring that will allow that. A controller of some kind must be used. There has to be logic and switching to make it happen. You can get turn signals on the trailer, or you can get brake lights, but you can't get both. (You can get running lights with either one, but not with both.) = QUOTE]
Let me tell you something;
What you see in that picture will get you tail lights, brake lights, left turn signal, and right turn signal functions for a two bulb trailer lights set-up.
It is not just some spliced in random combination of wiring. The black piece with the red wire IS the controller. It provides logic and switching... Do you see the white wire coming from it where I grounded it out with a screw onto the metal?
(edited to add):
To hook it up literally only requires simply splicing in some wires.. and finding somewhere to screw down the ground. It took longer to remove the rear cover than to actually hook the thing up!
Last edited by Noah911; 11-01-2019 at 12:18 AM.
#21
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Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
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By the way, when quoting, you need to make sure you get all 4 of the brackets copied, or you'll break the quote. The username and post number is contained in brackets [ username; number] and the final end quote notation [ /QUOTE ] is also contained in brackets.
(I added some spaces next to the brackets purposely to break the quote function, so you could see what I typed.)
#22
Banned
I hear ya! I tried fixing the quote. Kind of; I typed in, 'QOUTE]', myself at the end, but it didn't work. I saw something went wrong there with it.
I had to drive excessively far for that connector to a multipurpose store that was selling all kinds of stuff for farm animals. He actually had me call him so he could ride up to his store, to sell it to me. It was inexpensive. I think it was like $18.00? U-haul wanted like $100.00 when I called them. U-haul were the only ones around within 100 miles who had something to work. U-haul uses a different one than the plug n play one you could get online designed for that green 7-pin (maybe?) factory trailer lights harness connector. I only needed a 4-pin connection, and I found this one. I don't remember what the name of the device actually is anymore? I know its name is not 'connector'!
I think there are two versions of the factory plug n play connector pieces that you can get? I don't remember what they cost? Also, I am pretty sure Advanced Auto, or any of the other auto parts chain stores would have the one I have in stock?
I had to drive excessively far for that connector to a multipurpose store that was selling all kinds of stuff for farm animals. He actually had me call him so he could ride up to his store, to sell it to me. It was inexpensive. I think it was like $18.00? U-haul wanted like $100.00 when I called them. U-haul were the only ones around within 100 miles who had something to work. U-haul uses a different one than the plug n play one you could get online designed for that green 7-pin (maybe?) factory trailer lights harness connector. I only needed a 4-pin connection, and I found this one. I don't remember what the name of the device actually is anymore? I know its name is not 'connector'!
I think there are two versions of the factory plug n play connector pieces that you can get? I don't remember what they cost? Also, I am pretty sure Advanced Auto, or any of the other auto parts chain stores would have the one I have in stock?
Last edited by Noah911; 11-01-2019 at 09:40 AM.
#23
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Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
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Engine: 4.0
Most auto parts stores should have something that works. Take a look at the e-Trailer one linked above. Only twenty bucks, and they are a reputable outfit.
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