Installation Instructions for Chevrolet Trailblazer (2020-Present) and Buick Encore GX (2020-Present)

Part Numbers:

• 76585
• 84585
• CQT76585

Tools Required:

• Safety Glasses
• Ratchet
• Torque Wrench
• Plastic Trim Tools
• Tape Measure
• Utility Knife
• Marker
• Sockets: 7mm, 15mm
• T15 and T20 Star Drivers
• Flat Head Screwdriver
• Silicone Sealant

Weight Capacities:

• Weight Carrying:
  • Max Gross Trailer Weight: 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg)
  • Max Tongue Weight: 525 lbs (238 kg)
• Weight Distributing:
  • Not Applicable

Installation Time:

• Estimated: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Remove Taillights:

• Open the tailgate.
• Remove the plastic cover near the taillight using a T15 star driver. Remove (2) screws holding the cover to the taillight housing on both sides.
• Gently pull the taillights rearward to remove them.
• Disconnect the wiring harness and set the taillights aside.

2. Remove Fascia:

• Push-Pin Rivets: Use a flat head screwdriver to remove plastic push-pin rivets from the underside of the rear bumper fascia on both sides.
• Wheel Well Screws: Remove (1) screw at the outer bottom edge of the rear bumper fascia near the wheel well on both sides using a T15 star driver.
• Wheel Well Liner: Inside the rear wheel well, use a T15 star driver to remove (3) screws on both sides.
• Taillight Screws: Use a T20 star driver to remove (1) screw below each taillight.
• Partially Detach Fascia: Using a plastic trim tool, partially remove the fascia starting at the wheel wells. Do not remove the top portion of the wheel well trim, as it will not reinstall properly.
• Hidden Screws: Use a 7mm socket to remove (2) screws hidden behind the wheel well trim on both sides.
• If equipped, disconnect all wiring harnesses from the fascia and set it aside.

3. Remove Bumper Beam:

• Remove caulking around the bumper beam mounting surface.
• Use a 15mm socket with a 6” extension to remove (6) M10 flange hex nuts securing the bumper beam.
• Set the bumper beam aside. Retain the M10 hex flange nuts for hitch installation.

4. Install Hitch and Bumper Beam:

• Apply silicone sealant around the openings on the end panels on both sides.
• Raise the hitch and bumper beam into position, aligning the holes with the studs on the end panels.
• Loosely reinstall the (6) existing M10 hex flange nuts removed earlier.
• Tighten all M10-1.25 CL8.8 fasteners to 42 lb-ft (57 N·m).

5. Trim Fascia:

• Locate the center of the fascia. Use a tape measure, marker, and utility knife to cut a notch in the bottom of the fascia.
• Chevy Trailblazer: Refer to the diagram for a 4” by 3-5/8” cut.
• Buick Encore GX: Refer to the diagram for a 4” square cut.
• Ensure the area is clear of electrical wiring before trimming.

6. Additional Steps for Buick Encore GX:

• Use pliers to flatten a 1” tab on the end panel on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
• Remove the plastic panel behind the bumper fascia by detaching (2) screws, (4) tabs, and (3) push clips. Return the plastic panel to the owner.

7. Reinstall Components:

• Reconnect all wiring harnesses before reinstalling the fascia.
• Reinstall the fascia using the original hardware removed earlier.
• Reinstall the taillights and taillight covers.

Safety Notes:

• Regularly inspect the hitch and fasteners to ensure proper attachment.
• Plug all holes in the trunk pan or body panels if the hitch is removed to prevent water or exhaust fume entry.
• Replace any damaged hitch or ball immediately.
• Always wear safety glasses and observe safety precautions when working beneath the vehicle.
• Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch.

Specifications:

• Hitch Type: Class III
• Compliance: This product meets safety specifications per V.E.S.C. Regulation V-5 and SAE J684.

Note: Always adhere to the towing vehicle manufacturer’s weight rating or the hitch’s maximum load rating, whichever is lower.

Installation Instructions for T-One® T-Connector for Chevrolet Trailblazer w/ LED

Part Numbers:

• 118846

Tools Required:

• Trim Panel Remover
• 10mm Socket & Ratchet or Wrench
• Drill (3/32” Drill Bit)
• 1/4” Socket
• Wire Crimpers
• Wire Cutters
• Phillips Head Screwdriver
• Test Probe

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open the Rear Hatch:

   • Temporarily remove the rear threshold plate, privacy screen, storage covers, and floor covering.
   • Open the rear door and fold the rear seat forward.

2. Remove Interior Trim Panels:

   • Partially remove the rear interior trim panels on both the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle.
   • Remove the necessary trim panel fasteners to access the taillight wiring harness.
   • Carefully set aside all removed parts to avoid damage.

3. Locate the Vehicle’s Taillight Wiring Harness:

   • On both the driver’s and passenger’s sides, locate the vehicle’s taillight wiring harness.
   • Disconnect the connectors carefully, ensuring not to damage the locking tabs.
   • Ensure all connector surfaces are clean and free of dirt.

4. Connect the Driver-Side T-Connector:

   • Insert the T-One® Connector end with the yellow wire between the driver-side wiring connectors.
   • Ensure the connectors are fully inserted with locking tabs securely in place.

5. Route the Passenger-Side T-Connector:

   • Route the green wire connector down the threshold to the passenger side of the vehicle.
   • Insert the T-One® Connector end with the green wire between the passenger-side wiring connectors and lock it in place.

6. Ground the White Wire:

   • Locate a suitable grounding point near the connector, such as the vehicle’s frame or crossmember.
   • Clean dirt and rustproofing from the grounding area.
   • Drill a 3/32” hole and secure the white wire using the provided eyelet and screw.

   Caution: Verify the area behind any surface before drilling to avoid damage or injury.

7. Route the Power Wire:

   • Locate the black 12-gauge power wire from the T-One® T-Connector box on the driver’s side.
   • Attach the provided black wire and route it along the vehicle’s exterior frame to the engine compartment, avoiding areas that may pinch, cut, or damage the wire.

8. Connect to the Vehicle Battery:

   • Disconnect the vehicle’s Negative (-) battery cable.
   • Remove the fuse from the yellow fuse holder (provided).
   • Attach the ring terminal to the Positive (+) battery cable and secure it.
   • Connect the other end of the fuse holder to the black wire using the provided yellow butt connector.

   Warning: Follow all warnings printed on the vehicle’s battery.

9. Reconnect the Battery and Test:

   • Reconnect the Negative (-) battery cable.
   • Insert the 15-amp fuse into the fuse holder.
   • Test the installation using a test light or trailer. Reset the vehicle’s electrical system by temporarily removing the key from the ignition.

10. Mount the T-One® Black Box:

    • Locate a flat surface in an out-of-the-way location and mount the black box module using the provided double-sided tape.

11. Secure the Harness:

    • Use the provided cable ties to secure the remaining T-One® T-Connector harness, avoiding areas where it could pinch, cut, or melt.

12. Reassemble the Vehicle:

    • Replace all panels, clips, and floor coverings removed during installation.

13. Store the 4-Flat Connector:

    • Store the 4-flat connector in the rear cargo area when not in use.
    • When in use, pull the 4-flat connector through the door and close carefully, avoiding pinching the harness in the door latch.

Safety Notes:

• Overloading circuits can cause fires. Do not exceed stated product ratings.
• Always wear safety glasses and follow all safety precautions during installation.

Manufacturer Notes:

• Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual and the instruction sheet for additional details.
• Store these instructions for future reference.
• Always read and follow all warnings and instructions printed on the tow vehicle’s battery.