denfoke Posted September 27, 2016 Report Share Posted September 27, 2016 Hi, I have a 2012 Ford Edge Limited with a factory installed 3500lb 2" receiver hitch. I looked everywhere under that back bumper and cannot find the 4 pin wiring connector for the trailer lights. Is it even an option for these to not come wired from the factory? If I have to wire it myself what is the easiest way to do so? I see Ford sells a factory trailer wiring harness but I assumed that was for adding an aftermarket hitch. Thanks for any help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enigma-2 Posted September 27, 2016 Report Share Posted September 27, 2016 (edited) Pulled this from the owners manual : "Trailer tow connector (vehicles equipped with a Class II trailer tow/prep package) The trailer tow connector is located under the rear bumper, on the drivers side of the vehicle." Based on this, it would seem that the connector is only part of the Class II option (furnished on the 3.5L engines) and not part of a factory Class I system (used on the 2.0 & 3.7L engines). The manual also states "Do not splice into the vehicle lamp wiring for trailer lamps. Your vehicle uses an advanced electronic module to control and monitor your vehicle lamps. Splicing into the wiring or attaching wiring to the vehicle bulb may DISABLE the rear vehicle lamps or cause them not to function properly. Your lamp outage feature may also be disabled or provide incorrect information." so the use of a factory harness would seem to be manditory. Edited September 27, 2016 by enigma-2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denfoke Posted September 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2016 It's the Limited 3.5 and the hitch is a Class II. The only wires I see seem to be associated with the backup warning sensors. Maybe I have an unfortunate factory install or the previous owners messed with it for some reason. Pulled this from the owners manual :"Trailer tow connector (vehicles equipped with a Class II trailer tow/prep package)The trailer tow connector is located under the rear bumper, on the drivers side of the vehicle."Based on this, it would seem that the connector is only part of the Class II option (furnished on the 3.5L engines) and not part of a factory Class I system (used on the 2.0 & 3.7L engines). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted September 28, 2016 Report Share Posted September 28, 2016 Check around the spare tire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omar302 Posted September 28, 2016 Report Share Posted September 28, 2016 Just a possibility that maybe it was not equipped from the factory but the OOEM hitch was added by the previous owner. Do you have a window sticker to check the equipped options? if not, you can check using the VIN on https://www.etis.ford.com/and should show something like "With Class II Trailer Towing" under "Minor Features". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denfoke Posted September 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2016 Looked up the VIN and it lists "less trailer towing" so I guess the factory hitch was added after the fact. Still confusing that someone would go out of their way to to get a hitch put on yet not have enough use for it to add a wiring harness. Thanks for the replies everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted September 28, 2016 Report Share Posted September 28, 2016 You don't need wiring to haul bikes or a storage platform. That's what I used mine for on the Escape and what I would have used the MKX for until I bought a utility trailer. You can add the wiring harness - etrailer.com. I have some tips for you if you decide to do that - PM me or I can repeat them here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enigma-2 Posted September 29, 2016 Report Share Posted September 29, 2016 You certain that your hitch was factory, or dealer installed? In either case, I would not cosnider anything but oem harness to prevent any potential problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blake Willis Ehret Posted February 1, 2017 Report Share Posted February 1, 2017 im sure this thread is a touch old but i have a towing unit on my car but the webpage states "Less trailer towing" like previously stated above. so what i have been able to gather is that the hitch is after market meaning my 2012 edge 2.0l ecoboost has a towing capacity of 2000 lbs. but what the hell does "tailgate appliques" refer to? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enigma-2 Posted February 1, 2017 Report Share Posted February 1, 2017 but what the hell does "tailgate appliques" refer to? Its the badges and/or plastic covers they put on the tailgate or rear hatch to glitzy it up a little. The Ford logo double-faced taped on the rear is an applique. You can spend an extra $500 on a Raptor and get a big plastic applique that rads "PLATINUM" on it. Looks great, but for $500? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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