Installation Instructions for T-Connector Adapter for Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS and Ford Explorer

Part Numbers:

• 118599

Tools Required:

• Trim Panel Remover
• 10mm Socket & Ratchet or 10mm Wrench
• 7mm Socket & Ratchet or 7mm Wrench
• Torx 25 Driver
• Drill (3/32” Drill Bit)
• 1/4” Socket
• Wire Crimpers
• Wire Cutters
• Phillips Head Screwdriver
• Test Probe

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Ford Taurus / Lincoln MKS:

1. Prepare the Rear Cargo Area:

   • Open the trunk and remove the threshold panel.
   • Partially remove the corner felt trunk liner on both sides to expose the vehicle’s taillight wiring harness.

2. Locate and Connect the Driver-Side Wiring:

   • Locate the driver’s side taillight wiring harness. Separate the connectors carefully to avoid breaking the locking tabs.
   • Attach the T-Connector with the yellow and brown wires to the driver’s side wiring connectors, ensuring all connections are secure with locking tabs in place.

3. Route the T-Connector Wiring:

   • Route the T-Connector containing the green wire below the threshold cover to the passenger side.
   • Repeat Step 2 for the passenger side using the T-Connector with the green and red wires.

4. Store the 4-Flat Connector:

   • Route the 4-flat connector through the driver’s side trim panel into the side storage compartment and store it there when not in use.

Ford Explorer:

1. Prepare the Rear Cargo Area:

   • Open the rear hatch and temporarily remove the rear threshold plate, privacy screen, storage covers, and floor covering.
   • Fold the rear seats forward.

2. Remove Interior Panels:

   • Partially remove the rear interior trim panels on both the driver’s and passenger’s sides.
   • Carefully remove fasteners and set aside panels to prevent damage.

3. Locate and Connect the Wiring Harness:

   • Locate the taillight wiring harness on both sides. Separate the connectors carefully and connect the T-Connector with the yellow wire on the driver’s side.
   • Route the T-Connector with the green wire to the passenger side and connect it to the passenger-side wiring connectors.

All Vehicles:

1. Mount the Black Box:

   • Locate a flat surface in an out-of-the-way location on the driver’s side.
   • Mount the T-Connector’s black converter box using the provided double-sided tape.

2. Ground the White Wire:

   • Locate a suitable grounding point on the driver’s side near the connectors.
   • Drill a 3/32” hole and secure the white wire with the provided eyelet and screw.

   Caution:

   • Verify what is behind any surface before drilling to prevent damage or injury. Do not drill into exposed surfaces.

3. Connect the Power Wire:

   • Locate the red 12-gauge power wire from the T-Connector box.
   • Attach the provided black 12-gauge wire using the yellow butt connector.
   • Route the black wire through a grommet or along the vehicle frame to the engine compartment and battery.

4. Connect to the Battery:

   • Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable.
   • Attach the fuse holder to the positive (+) battery cable using the provided ring terminal.
   • Connect the other end of the fuse holder to the black power wire and install the 10-amp fuse.

5. Reassemble the Vehicle:

   • Reinstall all removed trim panels, threshold covers, and floor coverings, ensuring no wires are pinched or cut.

6. Test the Installation:

   • Test the installation with a test light or trailer.
   • Reset the vehicle’s electrical system by temporarily removing the key from the ignition.

   Specifications:

   • Max. stop/turn light: 1 per side (2.1 amps)
   • Max. tail lights: (5.6 amps)

Safety Notes:

• Overloading circuits can cause fires. Do not exceed the towing manufacturer’s rating or unit specifications.
• Always follow the installation instructions and use safety glasses during the installation.

Manufacturer Notes:

• Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual for additional guidance.

Installation Instructions for 4-Way to 7-Way Adapter and Brake Control Wiring

Tools Required:

• Phillips Head Screwdriver
• Drill with 3/32" Drill Bit
• 10mm Socket & Ratchet or Wrench
• Wire Crimpers
• Wire Cutters
• Test Light or Multimeter
• Cable Ties

Part 1: Install the 4-Way to 7-Way Adapter

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mount the Adapter:

   • Choose a suitable mounting point on the vehicle, typically near the hitch.
   • Use the provided bracket and screws to secure the adapter.

2. Connect the 4-Flat Plug:

   • Plug the 4-flat connector on the adapter into the existing 4-flat plug on the vehicle.
   • This connection enables tail lights, left turn, and right turn signals.

3. Ground the Adapter:

   • Locate a clean, solid grounding point near the adapter.
   • Drill a 3/32" hole if necessary and secure the white ground wire from the adapter using the provided screw and eyelet.

4. Leave Additional Wires Disconnected:

   • The following wires will remain disconnected until Part 2:
     • Black Wire: Power from the battery.
     • Blue Wire: Brake control output.
     • Yellow Wire: Reverse light (optional; leave disconnected unless needed).

5. Test Initial Connection:

   • Use a test light or trailer to verify functionality of the 4-way connections (tail lights, turn signals).

Part 2: Install Brake Control Wiring

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mount Circuit Breakers:

   • Install two 30A circuit breakers on the firewall or another suitable location near the battery.
   • Use self-tapping screws to mount them securely.

2. Route Power Wires:

   • Connect the black 12-gauge wire from the 7-way adapter to the auxiliary side of one circuit breaker (this powers the 7-way socket).
   • Run a heavy-gauge wire from the battery's positive terminal to the battery side of this circuit breaker, using a ring terminal.
   • Run another heavy-gauge wire from the battery's positive terminal to the auxiliary side of the second circuit breaker (for the brake controller).

3. Install the Brake Controller:

   • Mount the brake controller under the dash on a firm surface.
   • Use the following connections:
     • Red Wire: Connect to the cold side of the brake switch (active only when the brake pedal is pressed).
     • Blue Wire: Connect to the blue wire on the 7-way adapter for trailer brakes.
     • White Wire: Connect to a solid ground point on the vehicle body.
     • Black Wire: Connect to the auxiliary side of the second 30A circuit breaker (provides power to the brake controller).

4. Optional: Connect Reverse Light Circuit:

   • If the trailer has a reverse light circuit, connect the yellow wire from the 7-way adapter to the vehicle’s reverse light circuit.

5. Reconnect the Battery:

   • Reattach the negative battery cable and ensure all connections are secure.
   • Insert the fuses into both circuit breakers.

6. Secure All Wires:

   • Use cable ties to secure all loose wires and prevent damage or rattling.

7. Test the System:

   • Verify functionality of all circuits (running lights, turn signals, brake lights, and brake controller output).
   • If applicable, test the reverse light circuit.

Notes:

• Most installations will only require connecting the black and blue wires from the 7-way adapter.
• Leave the yellow wire disconnected unless the trailer has a reverse light or surge brake lockout circuit.
• Always adhere to safety guidelines and verify all connections before use.

Warning: Incorrect wiring can cause damage to the vehicle or trailer. Test all connections carefully before use.