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-- Escape trailer factory wiring (http://www.escape-central.com/1forum/showthread.php?threadid=1894)

Trailer wiring

Went to see my dealer parts dept. this week and asked about trailer wiring (I didn't have factory towing package on mine but installed Hidden-Hitch #90635 recently).

He searched on his computer and came back with part number YL8Z-13A576-AA for factory wiring assembly. Price was very reasonable - 7.29 CAN$ (~5 US$) so I purchased it.

Here is what it looks like:



Then, following Greyboy excellent instructions (Thanks Greyboy) at http://www.escape-central.com/1foru...g+interior+trim , I did remove side panel and located factory wiring:



Note that trailer wiring is the "white" connector on left. Remembering some older posts, I guess bigger square connector on right is for optional 12V power (not standard on mine).

I also had to remove the big rubber plug:



and finally inserted (from outside to inside) wiring harness and connected it to white connector.

I'm aware that there is currently no power supplied to flashers/brake wires but, being patient, I will end finding the "missing link". I guess there is a converter/relay to be installed somewere. I'll probably start by removing front left panel (the one around fuse box) to see where those wires end.

If I find something, I'll post here as soon as I'll get news. However, if someone is aware of a Ford part number for that possible converter, I'd really appreciate knowing it. Maybe also, brake/flasher power needs to be activated either "mechanically" or "programmatically". Who knows, aren't we in 2002 ??? FordTek, could it be possible ?

Thanks in advance !

By the way, I know I could have bought some aftermarket wiring kits (ex. Draw-Tite #18343) but, when I saw price for that Ford wiring assembly, I couldn't resist...

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Denis2002 True blue Escape XLS (FWD / 4 cyl.)

dsa:

$5.00 but... the Draw-Tite #18343 wiring kit is a bargain at $32.95 considering it's complete with converter and only requires removal of 4 taillight screws for installation.

__________________
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NOTE: On 07/30/02 traded Toreador Red 2001 Escape for Toreador Red 2002 Explorer XLS (Sport Group) 4X4 5spd AUTO. May 04, 2005 ...traded 02 Exploder for Sliver 2005 Mariner Premier.

Hitch pictures

Thanks DSA. Looking forward to hearing how the electrical comes along. Good pics.

Phil

UPDATE: Factory trailer wiring

Hi all.

This morning, went to dealer and told him about non-powered flasher/brakes wires on factory harness.

He then sent me to a guy's office in back of garage (service). When I explained him, he said...hum... I think I saw a service note about that... He then picked a big pile of paper and searched through it.

He came back with a paper (ref. # 2258) which was saying something like that (it was in french so here is a translation):

quote:

---

BROADCAST MESSAGES:
2258 Towing package: ... on some 2001-2002 Escape, trailer harness may not work properly ...Escape having factory installed towing package have YELLOW flasher module part # YL8Z-13350-BA while those NOT having factory installed towing package have BLUE flasher module part # YL8Z-13350-AA. If factory trailer harness is added to vehicle, flasher module must be replaced by "BA" model...

---

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Denis2002 True blue Escape XLS (FWD / 4 cyl.)

WAY TO GO DSA!!!!!

Like you I installed the trailer wiring myself and couldn't get the brake and siignal lights to work. Visits to the dealer and calls to Ford produced no results, other than frustration.


Let us know if the new flasher does the job. Where exactly did you find it under the dash?

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Regards, John

SOLVED: Escape factory trailer wiring

Suite and end of story (for me at least):

Went to dealer today to get YL8Z-13350-BA to find out it has been replaced by YL8Z-14N089-BA. However, new module is also yellow.

Went under dash, on left side, just above fuse panel, near hood release latch and removed blue unit, using a small flat screwdriver to free connector plastic tabs. Also had to use same tool to detach from "holder".

Here is what both modules look like, side by side:

They are quite similar, except color and weight ! Yellow one is definitely heavier than blue one.

Then, installed yellow module in its position:


Did some testing and all flasher/brake lights now work fine.

Bottomline, if you want factory trailer wiring, you'll need:

YL8Z-13A576-AA Factory wiring assembly
YL8Z-13350-BA (or YL8Z-14N089-BA) Flasher module "supporting" Factory wiring.

Overall, I must admit it costed quite the same as an aftermarket wiring kit. However, it's factory

Hope this will help others !

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Denis2002 True blue Escape XLS (FWD / 4 cyl.)

Kudos to you for solving this problem. I know many have posted on this list with the same problem.

Thanks again for the detective work, descriptions and pictures.

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Regards, John

Thanks, Denis

Great job on the follow-ups, part numbers, prices, tips, and pics. Now all I have to do is find the time to get one and install it.

Phil

You're welcome !

By the way, when I was testing after replacing flasher module, my wife was "operating" in Escape and I was at the back with a voltmeter. Next morning, on my way to office, at first corner, I immediately noticed that I now hear flasher when they operate while those were quite silent before. So, if someone needs a more "hearable" flasher sound, towing package flasher module is the solution...

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Denis2002 True blue Escape XLS (FWD / 4 cyl.)

I went by the dealer Wednesday and ordered the flasher module. No dealer in town had one and I was told the regional depots are out. List is USD 33.33

The parts guy told me the old number had actually been superceded by two numbers, one for the flasher and one for a bracket. Apparently the old part had an integrated bracket and the new one does not.

Also good to hear that the new flasher is louder. I can't hear the one old one at all.

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Regards, John

trailer wire

hi
did anyone get the wire that plugs into the socket under the bumper and connects to the trailer when you bought you escape/tribute with factory installed hitch?

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scott

As far as I know, that wire normally comes with the trailer.

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Denis2002 True blue Escape XLS (FWD / 4 cyl.)

It all depends on the type of trailer. We pull up to 11K pounds. Our smallest is a flat bed for ATVs. They range from a 6 pin plug to a 7 pin plug. some have even less. The larger plugs that have their pins sideways around the circle (inside the plug) are for trailer brakes. Now, on larger SUVs the towing package, or aftermarket ones, come with a plug and play type system. They plug into the aux fuse panel and allow you to have a trailer brake installed with the regular tow package wiring. The 6 pin is kinda the same as a 7 and both have trailer braking, just a different type. Smaller trailers can have a 6 pin as well but w/o brakes. Either way, you may have to purchase the extra kit to plug into the four plug off of your Escape. Very cheap though.

HTH
John

PS If you get a trailer make them include ALL necessary wiring and brake kits into the cost of the trailer, w/o raising the final price.

__________________
jcaimhigher@gawab.com
member Colorado Contour Enthusiasts Group (CEG)
contour.org
Defensor Fortis
The bond of the Blue Beret

Recently Purchased:

YL8Z-13A576-AA List Price $15.70 US
Description: Wiring Assembly


YL8Z-14N089-BA List Price $34.50 US
Description: Flasher Module


Excellent Post, I just noticed the price I paid differed from those listed in the post (I understand the prices listed are congruent with Canadian Dollars). Excellent Job, dsa!