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Car Forum / Chevrolet / Chevrolet Malibu / December 2004

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Towing wiring

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pete_dallas - 14 Dec 2004 05:32 GMT
I got a drawtite converter module for my Malibu. Originally, I was going to
wire it in the trunk and just run it out the trunk lid when needed.  But
seeing how bad it looks on other vehicles AND knowing it would rub on the
paint while driving down the road, I opted to install it correctly.
Fortunately for me (and others) chevy put some rubber grommets/boots at
each rear corner of the vehicle(inside the trunk).  These are just behind
the rear lights.

I installed the converter on the left side and ran the right turn signal
light to the right side(that was the longer green wire on the drawtite
converter). Using a volt meter, I removed the rear lights to find out
which wire to spice into.  Heres the color wiring (at least for a 2002
malibu ls):

brown - corner lights (for brown wire on drawtite converter)
blue - brake light (for red wire on drawtite converter)
light blue with black strip - left turn signal (for yellow wire on
drawtite converter)
dark blue - right turn signal (for green wire on drawtite converter).

Lastly, white wire of drawtite converter goes to ground. I used a screw on
the inside of the trunk to ground it (without having to create any new
holes.

So, 4 of the wires stayed on the drivers side and the one green wire was
spiced into the passengers side.  

Its relatively easy once you know the wire code. If you have a volt meter
handy, its always wise to check for yourself.

To get the trailer light wire outside, I cut into the rubber grommet boot
behind the drivers rear. You have to watch out to not cut into the factory
wiring.  I taped up the wire and hole with standard electrical tape. I used
wire ties to tie the wire to the rear light wiring along the
inside/underside of the bumper to the center of the hitch.  

Remember, you have to stay well away from the muffler which is about 9
inches away. I wire tied the last part at the hitch to keep it tight and
away from the muffler.

I plan on towing this weekend for the holiday (too many gifts to put
inside the car).  A small trailer will do from uhaul.

I'll post mpg and towing performance results in a few weeks.

Oh yeah I just installed my K&N filter today so that will help somewhat.
Even if its a little bit.

Some would say get a minivan or suv, but gas wise its hard to compete with
the 31-34 mph of my malibu.  

Besides, I'm holding out till the hybrid minivans come out!
Ford, Lexus, and Toyota are coming out with their hybird SUVs in the next
few months....but they'll have to get the kinks out of them before I
buy....so that'll be another year or two!
pete_dallas - 31 Dec 2004 06:46 GMT
See towing for milege numbers with a trailer.
 
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