Trailer Wiring 4 Pin Connector

[disallowedword]

Anyone have issues tapping into the rear tail lights for a 4 pin style connector?

 

[alain99]

What adapter are you using?
Might I suggest using a T connector like this one TEKONSHA | 118875 | T-One® T-Connector Custom Harness, 4-Way Flat, w/Circuit Protected ModuLite® HD Module, Compatible with Tesla Y, no splicing required.

 

[disallowedword]

No because the wiring changes depending on which year model Y you have and it looks like that product doesnt fit a 2024. I am talking about wiring something like the following directly into the factory harness of the tail lights / turn signals. This can be bought for less than $10 bucks vs $100s with the link you provided:

 

[disallowedword]

My appologies I posted a pic of the male side of the harness, it would actually be the female side that would be on the tesla:

 

[disallowedword]

It's also worth menitoning the product link you provided is very scarce or non existent. I can't find a seller that sells it as of the date of this post.

 

[android04]

It's also worth menitoning the product link you provided is very scarce or non existent. I can't find a seller that sells it as of the date of this post.

What you are trying to do will work because I've done it and it worked on my 2018 Model 3. But the taillight word are very thin and hard to work with without damaging them. The Y connector is the best solution, or otherwise I would recommend getting the Tekonsha Zero Contact Universal one that I've also used on Model 3 TEKONSHA | 119250 | ZCI™ Zero Contact Interface Universal ModuLite®

 

[disallowedword]

Thanks for the info. The zero contact interface is terrible. If u want to do the job twice like I am buy that product and then come back to this forum and do what I end up doing. The reviews are terrible on the product anyways, I should have avoided it.

 

[disallowedword]

Do we know what the connectors are called so we can build our own kit with the <$10 cable? Doubt theyre more than a few bucks each.

 

[alain99]

No because the wiring changes depending on which year model Y you have and it looks like that product doesnt fit a 2024. I am talking about wiring something like the following directly into the factory harness of the tail lights / turn signals. This can be bought for less than $10 bucks vs $100s with the link you provided: View attachment 1059545

You did not mention the car was a 2024!
Hey I am a penny pincher also but this is one area I try to not skimp too much, too many things could go wrong, I would not connect directly to the wires in the car without a interface that isolates the trailer lighting from the car electrical system.

Then try the ZCI from Techonsha, YES they are expensive but it is much cheaper that taking the risk of melting the OEM wiring harness of your car.
Or having the car complain about over voltage or what ever it will be detecting as a fault in the wiring harness.

 

[disallowedword]

You did not mention the car was a 2024!
Hey I am a penny pincher also but this is one area I try to not skimp too much, too many things could go wrong, I would not connect directly to the wires in the car without a interface that isolates the trailer lighting from the car electrical system.

Then try the ZCI from Techonsha, YES they are expensive but it is much cheaper that taking the risk of melting the OEM wiring harness of your car.
Or having the car complain about over voltage or what ever it will be detecting as a fault in the wiring harness.

Have u personally tapped into the tail lights directly? Looking for someone who has. I won't be using the ZCI

 

[alain99]

Have u personally tapped into the tail lights directly? Looking for someone who has. I won't be using the ZCI

Last time I tapped into the rear lights directly was way before the lighting in cars was computer controlled/monitored, as I said I personally would NOT tape in directly into the wiring harness.

 

[alain99]

Did you see this post, the stealth hitch has a wiring harness included, you might be able to get it separately.

 

[android04]

Have u personally tapped into the tail lights directly? Looking for someone who has. I won't be using the ZCI

I tapped into the wiring for the taillights directly on my 2018 Model 3 and it worked fine, like I mentioned in my previous post. But I don't know if the newer wiring and computers in the Model Y will still work fine that way.

Also, the wires for the taillights are tiny so you will need to use the right type of splice connector to tap into them and be careful not to damage them. You can make your own inline Y harness connector for them (which I also did for my Model 3). There is a post somewhere in this forum or maybe the other popular Tesla forum that gives you the exact part numbers to buy for the connectors, pins, and weatherproof seals. You need to make sure the Y harness connectors are weatherproof or you will allow moisture into the tail light.

The easiest way is to use an aftermarket harness that plugs into the trailer wiring module like Stealth Hitches sells, though I'm sure there are others.

The next easiest is the Tekonsha ZCI, which I also used in my Model 3. Yes, I experimented with many things on it since 2019.

 

[disallowedword]

The ZCI is garbage, strongly recommend against using it unless you want to get pulled over for light issues and have to rip apart your vehicle regularly to change out or adjust so the sensors work.