1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the CURT 56145 Vehicle-Side Custom 4-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness. This product is designed to provide a standard 4-way flat electrical connector on select Chrysler 300 vehicles, enabling connection to a trailer's lighting system. The harness features a plug-and-play design, eliminating the need for cutting or splicing into your vehicle's existing wiring.
The CURT 56145 harness is built with surface mount technology, which contributes to less heat generation, optimal light intensity, and durable performance. It includes a dust cover to protect the connector when not in use.
2. Safety Guidelines
- Always disconnect the vehicle's battery before beginning any electrical installation to prevent electrical shock or damage to the vehicle's electrical system.
- Ensure all connections are secure and properly insulated to prevent short circuits.
- Route wiring away from hot surfaces, sharp edges, and moving parts to prevent damage.
- Verify proper function of all trailer lights before towing.
- Consult a qualified technician if you are unsure about any part of the installation process.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all components are present before beginning installation:
- CURT 56145 Vehicle-Side Custom 4-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness with integrated converter module
- 4-Way Flat Connector Dust Cover
- Fuse and Fuse Holder
- Ring Terminal (for ground connection)
- Zip Ties (for securing wiring)
Figure 1: Overview of the CURT 56145 Vehicle-Side Custom 4-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness, showing all components including the converter box, vehicle-side connectors, 4-way flat output, ground wire, and battery connection wire.
4. Installation Instructions
Follow these steps to install your CURT 56145 wiring harness. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for specific access points to taillight wiring if needed.
- Prepare Vehicle: Ensure the vehicle is turned off and the parking brake is engaged. Disconnect the negative terminal of the vehicle's battery.
- Access Taillight Wiring: Locate the taillight wiring on both the driver's and passenger's sides of the vehicle. This typically involves removing taillight assemblies or accessing wiring from inside the trunk or under the vehicle.
- Connect Harness: Disconnect the existing factory wiring connectors from the taillight assemblies. Plug the corresponding vehicle-side connectors from the CURT harness into the vehicle's factory wiring and then into the taillight assembly. Ensure a secure, snug fit for all connections.
Figure 2: Close-up of the plug-and-play vehicle-side connectors, designed to integrate seamlessly with the vehicle's existing wiring system.
- Mount Converter Module: Find a secure, dry location within the vehicle's trunk or undercarriage to mount the converter module. Use the provided zip ties or double-sided tape (not included) to secure the module, ensuring it is protected from moisture and excessive heat.
- Connect Ground Wire: Locate a clean, unpainted metal surface on the vehicle's frame or chassis near the converter module. Attach the white ground wire with the ring terminal to this surface using a self-tapping screw (not included) or an existing bolt. Ensure a solid metal-to-metal connection for proper grounding.
Figure 3: Components for the circuit-protected converter system, including a fuse, fuse holder, ring terminal for ground, and zip ties for securing wiring. Also visible is a label with troubleshooting information.
- Connect Battery Power (if applicable): The yellow wire with the fuse holder and ring terminal is for connecting directly to the vehicle's battery. Route this wire safely from the converter module to the positive terminal of the vehicle's battery. Install the provided fuse into the fuse holder. Connect the ring terminal to the positive battery post. This connection provides constant power to the converter module.
- Route 4-Way Flat Connector: Route the 4-way flat connector to the exterior of the vehicle, typically near the trailer hitch. Ensure the wiring is secured using the provided zip ties, keeping it away from exhaust, suspension components, and any moving parts.
- Reconnect Battery: Once all connections are made and secured, reconnect the negative terminal of the vehicle's battery.
- Test System: Before towing, test the trailer wiring system. Connect a trailer or a trailer light tester to the 4-way flat connector. Verify that the running lights, brake lights, left turn signal, and right turn signal all function correctly.
Figure 4: Detail of the standard 4-way flat trailer wiring output, ready to connect to a trailer's electrical system.
Figure 5: Diagram illustrating the 4-way flat vehicle end connector, indicating its pin configuration.
5. Operating Instructions
Once the CURT 56145 wiring harness is installed, operating it is straightforward:
- Connecting a Trailer: Align the 4-way flat connector from your trailer with the 4-way flat connector on the vehicle harness and push them firmly together until they are fully seated.
- Testing Lights: Before each trip, perform a quick check of all trailer lights: running lights, brake lights, left turn signal, and right turn signal. Ensure they are functioning correctly and correspond to the vehicle's signals.
- Using the Dust Cover: When the trailer is disconnected, place the included rubber dust cover over the 4-way flat connector to protect it from dirt, moisture, and corrosion. This helps ensure long-term reliability.
Figure 6: Image showing the included rubber dust cover being placed over the 4-way flat connector for protection when not in use.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps ensure the longevity and reliable performance of your wiring harness:
- Keep Connections Clean: Periodically inspect the 4-way flat connector and vehicle-side connections for dirt, debris, or corrosion. Clean with an electrical contact cleaner if necessary.
- Inspect Wiring: Check all visible wiring for cuts, abrasions, or pinched areas. Repair any damage immediately to prevent short circuits.
- Use Dust Cover: Always use the dust cover when the harness is not connected to a trailer to protect the terminals from environmental elements.
- Check Ground Connection: Ensure the ground wire connection remains secure and free of corrosion.
7. Troubleshooting
The CURT 56145 harness features a circuit-protected converter system. If a short circuit or overload occurs, the module is designed to temporarily shut down the circuit to prevent damage. Power should flow again once the fault is cleared.
Common Issues and Solutions:
- Trailer Lights Not Working (or intermittent):
- If trailer lamps are working but vehicle lamps are not, or vice-versa, disconnect power to the faulted circuit for a few seconds, then reconnect. If lamps return to normal function, the fault has been corrected.
- If lamps light for a few seconds and then go off, check the ground wire on both the harness and trailer. Also, check the converter for an overload condition (e.g., too many bulbs on the trailer).
- Circuit Fails to Light:
- Check the tow vehicle's fuses.
- Verify proper pin connections between the vehicle and trailer.
- Check the tow vehicle's bulbs.
- Ensure the ground wire on both the harness and trailer is secure.
- Locate and correct any short circuits in the wiring.
- Incorrect Light Function (e.g., left turn signal activates right lights):
- Double-check all plug-and-play connections to ensure they are fully seated and correctly matched to the vehicle's taillight wiring.
- Inspect the 4-way flat connector for bent or corroded pins.
Note: Using a circuit tester can help confirm system function. If problems persist, it is recommended to consult a professional installer or contact CURT customer support.
8. Product Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 56145 |
| Brand | CURT |
| Connector Type | 4-Way Flat (Vehicle-Side) |
| Vehicle Compatibility | Select Chrysler 300 models |
| Item Weight | 1.3 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 6 x 3 x 9 inches |
| Manufacturer | Curt Manufacturing |
9. Warranty Information
Specific warranty details for the CURT 56145 Trailer Wiring Harness are typically provided with the product packaging or available on the manufacturer's official website. Please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the CURT website for the most current warranty policy and registration information.
10. Customer Support
If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding the installation or operation of your CURT 56145 Trailer Wiring Harness, please contact CURT customer support directly. You can find contact information on the official CURT website or through the retailer where the product was purchased.
For more information, visit the CURT Store on Amazon.
