Tow plug issue
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 915
Likes: 540
From: New Canaan, CT
Tow plug issue
I installed a factory hitch/wiring on my 13 Cayenne last summer. The final step required taking it to the dealer to have the towing settings activated via PWIS. (I had to do this twice since the first time they didn't set the power to always on). Afterwards, if worked just fine.
When I connected my trailer to the truck last week, I didn't have any lights except for a very faint flickering on the running lights (no turn signals at all, no brakes). I then connected the trailer to another truck and everything worked just fine. And when I plugged a tester into the plug on my truck, it confirmed that the plug wasn't sending a signal. Any thoughts?
When I connected my trailer to the truck last week, I didn't have any lights except for a very faint flickering on the running lights (no turn signals at all, no brakes). I then connected the trailer to another truck and everything worked just fine. And when I plugged a tester into the plug on my truck, it confirmed that the plug wasn't sending a signal. Any thoughts?
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,979
Likes: 229
From: Seattle
There is a thread about this issue floating about somewhere. IRC, the solution is getting a modified plug adapter and removing one of the wires/pins.
Let me see if I can locate it.
Cheers,
TomF
Let me see if I can locate it.
Cheers,
TomF
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 585
From: Southern Maryland
Porsche Trailer light module needs to be reset with piwis. Have them set it for incadesent lights and use a incadesent to led convertor when the trailer has led lights. If they set it for led there is no convertor for led to incadesent trailer light so the trailer light module goes into self protect mode.
If this is not it, check the fuses and then the grounds. Probably should check these first.
If this is not it, check the fuses and then the grounds. Probably should check these first.
Last edited by CAVU; Jun 26, 2017 at 09:17 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 915
Likes: 540
From: New Canaan, CT
Awesome, thanks.
I wonder if this would affect my Tekonsha RF brake controller - I'm going to check with the eTrailer.com guys (they're awesome, btw).
(Why is this so complicated when it works just fine on every American truck out there?!).
Jason
I wonder if this would affect my Tekonsha RF brake controller - I'm going to check with the eTrailer.com guys (they're awesome, btw).
(Why is this so complicated when it works just fine on every American truck out there?!).
Jason
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 915
Likes: 540
From: New Canaan, CT
Found this, just in case it's helpful for someone else down the road:
https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-...FVmBswod8ZcGEA
https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-...FVmBswod8ZcGEA
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 915
Likes: 540
From: New Canaan, CT
I don't think that would work with my trailer - I still need to power the brakes and that requires a 7 round. Seems like a perfect solution though if you only need a flat 4 (uhauls, maybe other trailers with surge brake?)
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 209
Likes: 26
From: Tejas
I am planning on buying the factory tow package from Suncoast and doing the install myself (having the dealer program it, obviously). Did the kit you used include instructions, or did you find them elsewhere? There's a good video online of installing the hitch but the wiring harness and module installation give me pause.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 915
Likes: 540
From: New Canaan, CT
I didn't find the wiring too difficult, but I would suggest taking your time removing the interior panels to get access to the wiring. There was one really stubborn fastener that I couldn't get off and ended up working around it to the detriment of fitment went I went to put it all back together. I ended up replacing some of the fasteners to make it fit like it should. Interior trim tools are a must. The hitch itself was very easy - although figuring out how to get the bumper off was a little more difficult. You have to remove the wheel arch moldings; it feels like you're breaking it, but it's pretty flexible. Once you do that, it's pretty straightforward - lights do have to come out if I remember correctly. And don't forget you have to get it programmed via PWIS. My (NYC) dealership charged $200 which I thought was insane - and they also forgot to make sure the power was always on, so it required a trip back. (This is important if you want to use a Tekonsha RF instead of installing a brake controller inside the cabin). And clearly the incandescent to LED converter is also a must, but it's interesting to note that they don't show the application fitting MY13+ Cayennes. I'll know more when I get mine in a couple days ...