How to Wire a Ford Focus for Trailer Lights

The Ford Focus can be equipped with a class I receiver hitch which can tow a trailer weighing up to 2,000 lbs. In order to safely operate a trailer, you must install a wiring harness that connects the tow vehicle's brake and tail lights to the trailer. The Ford Focus is equipped with plastic electrical connectors behind each taillight, that must be separated to insert a trailer wiring connector in between them.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flat blade screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Pliers

Removing the Taillights

1. Loosen and pull back the carpeting in the back of the trunk behind the taillights.

2. Remove the plastic wingnuts that secure the taillight to the vehicle's body.

3. Separate the taillights from the vehicle's body, but do not disconnect the wiring.

Installing the Connector

4. Examine the wiring harness on each taillight. There will be a plastic connector on each side that must be separated to insert the wiring harness connector.

5. Thread the trailer wiring connectors through holes in the body behind each taillight. Follow the instructions provided with the connector to determine which connector belongs in which side of the vehicle.

6. Insert the wiring connectors into the vehicle's wiring harness.

Reinstalling the Taillights

7. Push the taillights into position against the body and reinstall the plastic wingnuts that secure them. Be careful not to crush the wiring.

8. Route the trailer wiring underneath the carpeting in the trunk, so that the trailer connector can extend out between the trunk lid and bumper when in use, and be tucked into the trunk when not in use.

9. Reposition the trunk carpet over the taillight housing.

Tips & Warnings

• Position the wiring so that the trailer connector is not taut when connected to a trailer. When the vehicle turns, it will need some extra length in the wiring to avoid putting stress on the wiring.
• Be careful when you route the wiring to avoid sharp corners on the vehicle's body, which can cut through the insulation.

References

• "Haynes Ford Focus 2000-2001 Repair Manual"; Haynes; 2002
• "Chilton Ford Focus Revised Edition 2000 through 2005 Repair Manual"; Jay Storer; 2006

Resources

• Focus Fanatics