Installation Instructions for Ford Escape

Part Numbers:

• 36529
• 90230
• 06156

Wiring Access Location:

• SUV1, SUV2

Tools Required:

• Wrenches: 10mm, 13mm, 11/16"
• Pull Wire (provided)
• Tin Snips
• File or Die Grinder
• Soapy Water or Lubricant

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Lower the Exhaust:

   • Remove the fasteners on the exhaust hanger brackets on both sides of the frame.
   • Remove the rubber isolator hangers forward of the suspension for additional room.
   • Spray lubricant or soapy water on the metal hanger rods and rubber isolators to ease removal.

2. Trim the Heat Shield:

   • On the driver side, remove the forward fastener and measure the area to trim.
   • Use tin snips to trim the passenger-side heat shield as shown in Figures 2 and 3.
   • Re-secure the driver-side heat shield using the original fastener after trimming.

3. Enlarge the Access Hole:

   • Use a file or grinder to enlarge the access hole in the frame rail to allow insertion of the carriage bolts and spacers.

4. Insert Hardware into Frame Rails:

   • Feed the pull wire (coiled end) into the hole inside the frame and pull it out through the modified access slot.
   • Attach the fastener to the pull wire and pull it into position, leaving the pull wires attached.
   • Repeat this procedure for all necessary fasteners (as shown in Figures 4 and 6).

5. Position the Hitch:

   • Slide the hitch into position, starting with the driver side and then the passenger side, ensuring pull wires guide the bolts through the mounting slots.

6. Install Fasteners:

   • Attach the horizontal 7/16" fasteners at the rear using flat washers, lock washers, and hex nuts to support the hitch.
   • Install the M8-1.25 x 40mm bolts and 5/16" flat washers through the rear bracket tab of the hitch and into the end frame and bumper plate (as shown in Figure 8).
   • Secure all other fasteners as shown.

7. Tighten Fasteners:

   • Torque all 7/16"-14 GR5 fasteners to 50 ft-lb (68 N*m).
   • Torque all M8 CL8.8 fasteners to 18 ft-lb (23 N*m).
   • Torque all M8 CL10.9 fasteners to 27 ft-lb (37 N*m).

8. Reattach Exhaust:

   • Reinstall the exhaust hanger brackets and rubber isolator hangers.

Torque Specifications:

• 7/16"-14 GR5 bolts: 50 ft-lb (68 N*m)
• M8 CL8.8 bolts: 18 ft-lb (23 N*m)
• M8 CL10.9 bolts: 27 ft-lb (37 N*m)

Hardware List:

• (6) Carriage Bolts, 7/16"-14 x 1.50" GR5
• (4) Hex Bolts, M8-1.25 x 30mm CL8.8
• (2) Hex Bolts, M8-1.25 x 40mm CL10.9
• (4) Spacers, 1/4" x 7/8" x 3"
• (2) Spacers, 3/16" x 1" x 2"
• (6) Flat Washers, 5/16"
• (6) Hex Nuts, 7/16"-14
• (4) Conical Washers, 7/16"
• (2) Conical Washers, 3/8"
• (6) Pull Wires, 7/16"

Safety Notes:

• Frequently check the hitch to ensure all fasteners and the ball are securely tightened.
• If the hitch is removed, plug all holes in the trunk pan or other body panels to prevent water or exhaust fumes from entering.
• Replace any damaged hitch or ball immediately.
• Observe safety precautions when working beneath a vehicle and wear eye protection.
• Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch.

Specifications:

• Max Gross Trailer Weight: 3,500 lb (1,589 kg)
• Max Tongue Weight: 300 lb (136 kg)

Additional Notes:

• Drawbar Kit: 36071 (sold separately)
• Fastener Kit: 36529F
• This product complies with V.E.S.C. Regulation V-5 and SAE J684 safety standards.

Installation Instructions for T-Connector Adapter for Ford Escape

Part Numbers:

• 118566

Tools Required:

• Trim Panel Remover
• 8mm Socket & Ratchet or Wrench
• Drill (3/32” Drill Bit)
• 1/4” Socket
• Wire Crimpers
• Wire Cutters
• Test Probe

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Remove the Taillight Assemblies:

   • Open the tailgate and remove the vehicle’s taillight assemblies by unscrewing the four 8mm hex head bolts on each side.
   • Carefully pry the housings away from the vehicle, avoiding damage to the alignment tabs.

2. Disconnect the Wiring Harness:

   • Disconnect the vehicle wiring harness from both taillight sockets.

3. Install the Driver-Side T-Connector:

   • On the driver’s side, route the T-Connector end with the yellow wires up between the bumper and vehicle body into the taillight pocket.
   • Plug the T-Connector with the yellow wire in between the driver’s side taillight socket and the vehicle wiring harness.

4. Route and Connect the Passenger-Side T-Connector:

   • Route the T-Connector with the green wire to the passenger side.
   • Route the 4-flat connector underneath the bumper to the passenger side, ensuring it avoids hot pipes, heat shields, or fuel tanks.
   • Route the T-Connector end with the green wire up through the passenger-side opening and connect it.

5. Ground the White Wire:

   • Locate a suitable grounding point near the connector.
   • Clean the area of dirt and rustproofing.
   • Drill a 3/32” hole and secure the white wire using the provided eyelet and screw.

   Caution:

   • Verify what is behind any surface before drilling to avoid damage or injury.

6. Prepare the Power Connection:

   • Disconnect the vehicle’s negative (-) battery cable.
   • Remove the fuse from the yellow fuse holder.
   • Attach the ring terminal to the positive (+) battery cable using the provided connector.
   • Connect the other end of the fuse holder to the black 12-gauge wire using the provided yellow butt connector.

7. Route the Black Power Wire:

   • Starting at the front of the vehicle, route the black wire along the frame rail to the rear driver’s side.
   • Ensure the wire avoids hot pipes, heat shields, or other damage points.

8. Connect the Black Power Wire:

   • Route the black 12-gauge wire to the rear driver’s side.
   • Connect the wire to the black wire from the T-Connector black box using the supplied yellow butt connector.

9. Reconnect the Battery:

   • Reconnect the negative (-) battery cable.
   • Insert the 15-amp fuse into the fuse holder.

10. Mount the Black Box:

    • Locate a flat surface on the driver’s side and mount the T-Connector’s black box using the double-sided tape.
    • Ensure the epoxy side of the module is pointed toward the ground to prevent water buildup.

11. Secure the Wiring:

    • Secure the remainder of the T-Connector harness under the bumper using the provided cable ties, avoiding areas that could pinch or cut the wires.

12. Reinstall the Taillight Assemblies:

    • Reinstall the taillight housing assemblies, positioning the wiring harness between the housing and the vehicle body.

13. Mount the 4-Flat Connector:

    • Mount the 4-flat connector in a suitable location under the vehicle.

    Note:

    • A bracket is not included for mounting the 4-flat connector.

Specifications:

• Max. stop/turn light: 2.1 amps
• Max. tail lights: 5.6 amps

Safety Notes:

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

Manufacturer Notes:

• Read the vehicle owner’s manual for additional details.
• Store instructions for future reference.