Trailer Tow Relay: Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Jeep Liberty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Trailer Tow Relays

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - RELAY CONNECTOR BANK

2 - REAR BODY WIRE HARNESS

3 - LEFT TURN RELAY

4 - RIGHT TURN RELAY

5 - BRAKE LAMP RELAY

6 - FUSED IGNITION SWITCH OUTPUT (RUN) RELAY

Vehicles equipped with an optional factory-installed trailer towing package have four trailer tow relays. See Fig 1. The trailer tow relays are conventional International Standards Organization (ISO) micro relays. Relays conforming to the ISO specifications have common physical dimensions, current capacities, terminal patterns, and terminal functions. Each relay is contained within a small, rectangular, molded plastic housing and is connected to all of the required inputs and outputs through five integral male spade-type terminals that extend from the relay base plate.

The trailer tow relays include one each for brake lamps, right turn lamps, left turn lamps and a fused ignition switch output (run) circuit which are provided for the trailer through the rear body wiring and connectors. The relays are located in a connector bank above the right rear wheelhouse and behind the quarter trim panel. The connector bank and relays are wrapped within a foam rubber isolator envelope for sound deadening and anti-rattle protection.

Refer to Trailer Tow in the wiring information for specific relay cavity assignment information. A trailer tow relay cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the unit must be replaced.