Trailer light wiring

[slink]

I did not get the towing package on my CX-9. Has anybody found a trailer wiring kit for the CX-9?

Thanks

[wakblak]

Have you located a trailer hitch that you want to use?

I did not get the towing package on my CX-9. Has anybody found a trailer wiring kit for the CX-9?

Thanks

[slink]

Yes, I have installed a Draw-Tite Receiver Hitch. Very simple to install, just 6 bolts. Got it from e-trailer.com.

I have found universal wiring kits but am leary of installing them and messing up the vehicle's computer. I called my local Mazda dealer to inquire if the had a factory wiring harness that just plugs in. Mazda does not make one. If you get a CX-9 with the towing package, the wiring is hard wired in according to the parts guy at this Mazda dealer.

[wakblak]

Slink,

Did you ever figure out how to add the wiring?

Can you post a picture of the hitch on your CX-9.
I'm curious to what the clearance is with the rear bumper.

Thanks!

Yes, I have installed a Draw-Tite Receiver Hitch. Very simple to install, just 6 bolts. Got it from e-trailer.com.

I have found universal wiring kits but am leary of installing them and messing up the vehicle's computer. I called my local Mazda dealer to inquire if the had a factory wiring harness that just plugs in. Mazda does not make one. If you get a CX-9 with the towing package, the wiring is hard wired in according to the parts guy at this Mazda dealer.

[eldo64]

slink - I'd be very interested to see what your Draw-Tite hitch looks like too. I want a 2" receiver so I can use the 2" bike rack I already have.

Anyone else install an aftermarket hitch?

[Lexx]

Anyone else install an aftermarket hitch?
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3285665#post3285665

[eldo64]

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3285665#post3285665

Thanks! Looks good. I just put in an order for the same hitch.

[wakblak]

eldo64,

Where you order from?
What about the trailer wiring?

[eldo64]

I ordered the 2" receiver Hidden Hitch from www.etrailer.com

It should arrive in a couple days. I'll post after I finish the install. I'm not adding the trailer light wiring at this time since I really only use it for my hitch-mounted bike rack.

[slink]

For trailer wiring, I am going to use an universal kit that has the main power supply coming straight from the battery. I haven't had time to hook it up yet.

[eldo64]

I installed the 2" receiver Hidden Hitch a couple days ago. It's a pretty easy install - just 6 bolts. I've attached a couple pictures. Looks just fine to me...

[wakblak]

Looks good, I'm going that route...

[jwehrheim]

Has anyone tried to install the wiring harness for towing? Was it easy and is there anything that needs to be done on the computer? I called Mazda parts on the 0000-8E-M04 part number and all he could tell me was the price of $171. Could not even tell me what it was for.

I am considering this route only because I like the 2" receiver from DrawTite

[njerald]

Has anyone tried to install the wiring harness for towing? Was it easy and is there anything that needs to be done on the computer? I called Mazda parts on the 0000-8E-M04 part number and all he could tell me was the price of $171. Could not even tell me what it was for.

I am considering this route only because I like the 2" receiver from DrawTite

See the CX-7 instructions -

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/instructions/cx7/Trailer_Hitch_Jumper_Harness_(CX7).pdf

[xlynoz]

Has anyone hooked up a wiring kit yet? If so which one did you use and can you provide instructions on the installation? Thanks.

[IMHIP2]

All Canadian models come with the tow package from Japan. We just need to add the Mazda hitch (Class 2 $377) and the Mazda wiring harness ($28) plus install.

[Scott P]

The dealer is wiling to install the hitch/wiring harness only as long as it is done when we purchase the vehicle.

[CX9 SportOwner]

We are still waiting for details and photos from someone who has installed a wiring kit. Where did you get power, what kit did you use, etc.

[badself]

All Canadian models come with the tow package from Japan. We just need to add the Mazda hitch (Class 2 $377) and the Mazda wiring harness ($28) plus install.

Actually, this is how the '09 GT will be packageed in North America. Tow prep package is standard, only thing left to purchase and install is the hitch and the harness. However, '09 Sport and Touring models require ordering the entire tow package (i.e. no standard tow prep).

[CX9 SportOwner]

In the US there is no such thing as a hitch or harness you can buy to add on to ANY CX9. It's all factory installed.

I just want to see an aftermarket kit installed.

[slink]

I just ordered an aftermarket kit from ETrailer.com. I will keep you posted on how easy the installation is and how well it works.

I am heading to Ouray,Co. next month and plan on towing a small utility trailer.

[CX9 SportOwner]

I installed a U-haul kit. Very much like the e-trailer kit, but also has a second set of connections built in for U haul or other lead type connections. Install was much easier than expected, and all but invisible.

[slink]

Finally installed the trailer light wiring kit I got from Etrailer.com
Took me about 2 hours. Most of the time was spent running the main power wire from the battery to the rear of the car.

Lights are working perfectly.

[CX9 SportOwner]

Finally installed the trailer light wiring kit I got from Etrailer.com
Took me about 2 hours. Most of the time was spent running the main power wire from the battery to the rear of the car.

Lights are working perfectly.

Photos? Where did you tap the hookups and set the control box?

[slink]

I removed the 2 inside panels at the rear of the car. This gave me access to the wiring going to the rear taillights. I used the circuit tester I got with the wiring kit to figure out which wire is for brakes, tail and blinker. I tapped into these and put the module to the left of the subwoofer against the rear of the car.(This is directly under the left rear taillight inside the car if you don't have the subwoofer.)

[CX9 SportOwner]

I removed the 2 inside panels at the rear of the car. This gave me access to the wiring going to the rear taillights. I used the circuit tester I got with the wiring kit to figure out which wire is for brakes, tail and blinker. I tapped into these and put the module to the left of the subwoofer against the rear of the car.(This is directly under the left rear taillight inside the car if you don't have the subwoofer.)

so you have the one wire running to the right harness. I mounted the module behind the lower corner panel. Lots of space ( unless you have the power gate)

Lets see some photos

[sandasene]

Can someone please post how the wiring harness was installed? Want to tow a very lightweight camper (less than 1000) but want to avoid having to pay a dealer to install!

[ceric]

Search eBay for CX9 trailer wiring kit.
It has instructions with photos.

Here is the link. Scroll down for the link to instructions.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Trailer-Hitch-Wiring-2007-2008-Mazda-CX-9-118442_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33653QQihZ024QQi temZ370072342694QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[Scott P]

That kit looks pretty neat. I wonder how the quality is.

[sbmrinaldi]

I just had the wiring installed by a local muffler shop. The wiring seems to be what is described in this thread, but am not real happy with the finished product. They wire harness sits in the storage area behind the 3rd row seats. If the plug is needed it "hangs" out of the back of the vehicle and when not needed gets tucked back in the storage area inside the vehicle. Seem odd? I am not sure how much I will use it. Plan on pulling some atv's locally. Muffler shop said this way it keeps from corroding.

[squidly]

That's how most trailer shops do it.
I would rather have it that way so, like you said, it doesn't corrode.

[CX9 SportOwner]

Here is mine again, done by myself.

U-Haul kit has 4Flat plug AND individual bullet connectors for U-hail trailers, and built in test lights. I hid the module behind the left rear panel.

I can't believe you PAID to have a hack job like that done.

[sbmrinaldi]

It seems everyone tapped into the same power source near the bose sub in the back. How or where was the wire routed from there to get outside the CX9 to have an exterior mount for the plug?

[CX9 SportOwner]

right above the plug up under the car there is a hole that goes through.

[microlost]

when you tap the wire to you tail light, you will have to remove the tail light, just unplug the whole tail light, that hole goes all the way to the bumper, so use a metal hanger or fish pole and pull the wire from the bottom up to the tail light, i have my unit hanging behind the bumper, it's easier to do it that way, the only difficult part it get the power wire from the battery to the back

[rdambros]

Okay, I have to do this as well. My trailer shop just installed the wiring into the trunk, and I don't like it at all. I will have to run the wire myself to the Hidden Hitch assembly. I have the bracket and the rubber cover on order from etrailer (part no. 18144 and, 20112), but I do not know where to go through the trunk to the bottom on the hitch. SportOwner, you say "right above the plug up", could you clear that up, and microlost to say through the tail light. Could you be clearer. If you have any pictures, please post.

It would be greatly appreciated.

[CX9 SportOwner]

Remove the rear floor/compartment assembly. pop the center of the two retainers and pull them out. then the entire floor and compartment lifts out, leaving the smaller compartment/subwoofer, depending on which you have.

Look to the left of the jack and you will see the hole plug. I ran the wire through that to the connector directly below it. Note in that photo the right turn and power wires running across.
Also note the bottom of the light module showing in the last photo. I stuck it to the car up inside the space there. I don't think that will work with the power gate.

By the way, I tapped the taillights BEFORE the connector, so the connections are inside the car body, not the taillight well. This hides them better and allows the taillight to be replaced, if needed without having to redo all of the taps.

[rdambros]

SportOwner, you rock. Thanks. I am assuming that the hole you showed in your pictures exits somewhere in the bumper and above the exterior hook up. I will be working on it this weekend and report back to everyone. Thanks again.

[CX9 SportOwner]

Yes. The plugged hole in photo 3 is directly above the connector in photo 4. The wire goes straight up from the back of the connector and through the cut I made in the hole plug.