View Full Version : Those that Tow with their TBSS...step in side!
Okay, thinking of renting one of those U-Haul dual axle auto transport trailers (don't ask), and thought I would check out the wire harness that GM provides with the vehicle. Apparently the harness connector is behind the rear facia, and from all outside appearences there is no way the supplied connector is going to just slide right in (because of the angle the harness connector is attached to the frame, doesn't appear that it will fit without cutting a hole in the rear facia). Any suggestions?
2002SLT
09-28-2006, 10:18 AM
It fit's fine. Just need to get on your back to stick it in the slot. :x
Tried buy no dice. The harness connector cover behind the facia won't even open more say 40% without hitting the see through grid on the back of the facia...making it impossible for the harness connector to even go into the recepticle. Here's some pics...
http://kwbsales.com/DSC00047a.jpg
http://kwbsales.com/DSC00049a.jpg
azachata
09-28-2006, 11:21 AM
is your facia bent? mine is not like that at all. I can bend mine all the way...:confused:
AJSZR2326
09-28-2006, 11:24 AM
according to the directions in the owners manual ,you lift cover open then untwist connector out of that holder you have pictures of. in the trunk compartment there is a adapter ,if you need it to a 4-pin flat cable if you dont need electric brakes for the trailer.
according to the directions in the owners manual ,you lift cover open then untwist connector out of that holder you have pictures of. in the trunk compartment there is a adapter ,if you need it to a 4-pin flat cable if you dont need electric brakes for the trailer.
Hmm...that wasn't mentioned in the instructions with the connector package. All I really need to do is bend the bracket (holder), back a few more degrees and it should be a straight shot.
Okay, tried the "twist" method of the connector holder...and the thing won't budge (at all). It doesn't appear to be a piece that is suppose to twist at all. Looks like I'll be headed back to the dealer again. If it were me, I think I would relocate the steel bracket more to the drivers side of the frame (out of the way of the spare tire).
is your facia bent? mine is not like that at all. I can bend mine all the way...:confused:
My facia is not bent. The fact that you can flip your adapter cover open 180 degrees tells me that the steel bracket holding the connector may not have been properly installed onto the frame. Anyone else want to take some pics of a properly fitted adapter?
RacerXDJN
09-28-2006, 01:28 PM
My connector was sitting lose in the rear storage area. It would be nice to see a picture of where it is suppose to go.
Called my dealer and the service tech said that they had issue like this on another TBSS, so they are familiar with the problem, and hopefully will know how to deal with it.
SStbSS
09-28-2006, 05:38 PM
I had the same problem. I bought a new 4-pin harness from autozone made for the trailblazer. I had to unplug the original harness, plugged in the 4-pin which has like a 18" lead. ill try to find the link.
2002SLT
09-28-2006, 09:39 PM
Wow! I just checked mine out, and it looks nothing like yours. See the difference?
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g282/mytbss/Mytbss/TPlug1sm.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g282/mytbss/Mytbss/Tplug2small.jpg
What's the build date on your SS? Mine's March '06.
Wow! I just checked mine out, and it looks nothing like yours. See the difference?
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g282/mytbss/Mytbss/TPlug1sm.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g282/mytbss/Mytbss/Tplug2small.jpg
What's the build date on your SS? Mine's March '06.
Well, now we are getting some where! Mine is an April of '06 Build. Either they put the wrong harness/connector on mine, or GM made a change in April to the spring connector cover vs. the twist off one. With the set up you have, you should have no problem using the supplied harness connector. Me...I've got probs! :cry: Maybe someone with a May or June '06 build date can chime in and verify if this is just an anomoly or something owners who plan to tow (with 04/06 and above build dates), have to contend with. How about you '07 owners...let's here from you too!
MYSTERY SOLVED! Crawled under the trunk and removed the connector (with the spring top) from under the frame, and guess what...this piece is apparently not meant to be on the TBSS! The reason I know this for a fact is that the tow connector that we all have in the rear storage area has a label on the packaging stating it is for a Trailblazer SS. However, once I removed the spring top connector from the bottom of the frame and tried to put the adapter into it...IT DOESN'T EVEN FIT - the alignment guide at the top of the adapter plug is to wide! Apparently this is an assembly line screw up. We should all probably have what 2002SLT posted in his pics. Off to the dealer tomorrow so they can order the right part for me. The alternative is that they find the appropriate adapter plug that fits this particular spring top connector...don't want to go down that road.
BowtieNut
09-28-2006, 11:47 PM
Okay, now I'm confused too, cuz mine looks like both of yours. I guess I'm not seeing the difference that you guys are. Mine came with 2 adapters, and both of them connect to that round connector in the pic posted by 2002SLT. Also in that pic is the dust cover where the round connector goes when I'm not using it. If I tow my camper, I pull the round connector out of the dust cover, and put on the 7-pin camper adapter that came with my TBSS. If I pull the dust cover out of the bracket then the camper adapter fits in there, but I can't use it because the bumper cover is in the way. I'm assuming that it was designed for the non-SS TB's because they have a different bumper cover, and they just never bothered to redesign it for the SS's.
Mine also came with a 4-pin adapter that's like 12" long or something. If I'm towing my snowmobile trailer, again I pull the round connector out of the dust cover, and put on the adapter and run the 4-pin end out by the reciever.
Like I said, maybe I'm missing something here. I'm definitely not claiming to know it all. But from what I see in those pics, when I have the dust cover in the bracket it looks just like the pics posted by 2002SLT, and when I have the camper adapter in the bracket it looks just like the pics posted by KWB.
Bad70chevy
09-28-2006, 11:48 PM
I still dont know how you will get the plug to go in. mine is the same way.I already cut off the whole bracket so I can put it some place where I could use it.
Good luck
Okay, now I'm confused too, cuz mine looks like both of yours. I guess I'm not seeing the difference that you guys are. Mine came with 2 adapters, and both of them connect to that round connector in the pic posted by 2002SLT. Also in that pic is the dust cover where the round connector goes when I'm not using it. If I tow my camper, I pull the round connector out of the dust cover, and put on the 7-pin camper adapter that came with my TBSS. If I pull the dust cover out of the bracket then the camper adapter fits in there, but I can't use it because the bumper cover is in the way. I'm assuming that it was designed for the non-SS TB's because they have a different bumper cover, and they just never bothered to redesign it for the SS's.
Mine also came with a 4-pin adapter that's like 12" long or something. If I'm towing my snowmobile trailer, again I pull the round connector out of the dust cover, and put on the adapter and run the 4-pin end out by the reciever.
Like I said, maybe I'm missing something here. I'm definitely not claiming to know it all. But from what I see in those pics, when I have the dust cover in the bracket it looks just like the pics posted by 2002SLT, and when I have the camper adapter in the bracket it looks just like the pics posted by KWB.
You got two adapters? The only one I got was Part #: 10365399 (this is that 4 pin adapter that fits into the harness (once removed from that connector with the spring top on mine). I see now where according to the directions in the bag, it states: "NOTE: A 7 way trailer connector is also included for installing per step 2." That must be the one that fits into the connector with the spring top...do you have a part number on your 7 pin adapter for this one?
ScarabEpic22
09-29-2006, 01:36 AM
FINALLY!!! Someone posted up some pics of what the SS wiring setup is. I heard it was different, but now I actually can see what it looks like. Kind of a pain in my view, but then again you can actually tow 6600-6800lbs with it unlike the 3500lbs in a GCSRT-8. My 02 and all models except the SS have what is illustrated in the 1st set of pics, the flip down thingy. Looks like you have to unplug the harness every time which could become a pain...:undecided
FINALLY!!! Someone posted up some pics of what the SS wiring setup is. I heard it was different, but now I actually can see what it looks like. Kind of a pain in my view, but then again you can actually tow 6600-6800lbs with it unlike the 3500lbs in a GCSRT-8. My 02 and all models except the SS have what is illustrated in the 1st set of pics, the flip down thingy. Looks like you have to unplug the harness every time which could become a pain...:undecided
Yeah, if you have a rig set up for towing from the factory, it would have been nice if they had this set up as an external connector like on the Tahoe for example (plug and play), instead of unplug, run wire harness then play. :yes:
silverLS2SS
09-29-2006, 03:15 AM
Yeah,nice!I had to lay under mine the first time I wanted to tow a trailer for a couple of minutes trying to figure out how in the world you are supposed to get that plug in there.Then I realized that plug wouldn't even go in the plug on the truck,so unplugged the harness and it plugged right in,but it is still a pretty big design flaw.
ScarabEpic22
09-29-2006, 03:23 AM
Yeah,nice!I had to lay under mine the first time I wanted to tow a trailer for a couple of minutes trying to figure out how in the world you are supposed to get that plug in there.Then I realized that plug wouldn't even go in the plug on the truck,so unplugged the harness and it plugged right in,but it is still a pretty big design flaw.
I agree, what a PITA, especially for 95% of the owners out there who dont know about this site and are uninformed. Imagine trying to figure it out 100+mi from home in the middle of nowhere, that would SUCK!:mad:
I agree, what a PITA, especially for 95% of the owners out there who dont know about this site and are uninformed. Imagine trying to figure it out 100+mi from home in the middle of nowhere, that would SUCK!:mad:
This is the adapter I should have gotten from GM (provided that the 7 pin connector under the truck was located differently for easy plug-in access): description here (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200179574_200179574).
http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/images/12767_lg.gif
BowtieNut
09-29-2006, 11:12 AM
You got two adapters? The only one I got was Part #: 10365399 (this is that 4 pin adapter that fits into the harness (once removed from that connector with the spring top on mine). I see now where according to the directions in the bag, it states: "NOTE: A 7 way trailer connector is also included for installing per step 2." That must be the one that fits into the connector with the spring top...do you have a part number on your 7 pin adapter for this one?
Actually the one you showed in your pics is one of my adapters. It's the 7-pin camper plug with the spring door. If I pull the harness out of the back of that adapter, then the other adapter (the 4-pin flat 12" long one) plugs right into the harness. If you get that adapter that you showed from Northern tool, then you'll be doing basically the same thing, except you'll be going thru the 7-pin camper plug when you could just remove it and use the 4-pin adapter that came with the truck. At least, that's how mine works. The only thing is, I can't use the bracket that's on the frame with either of my adapters, and THAT'S where GM dropped the ball. It's kinda hard to explain, but hopefully that works.
RacerXDJN
09-29-2006, 12:15 PM
My 2006 was built in June and I have a connector under the truck similar to 2002SLT, however a connector exactly like the one on the back of KWB’s was shipped loose in the rear storage area.
Actually the one you showed in your pics is one of my adapters. It's the 7-pin camper plug with the spring door. If I pull the harness out of the back of that adapter, then the other adapter (the 4-pin flat 12" long one) plugs right into the harness. If you get that adapter that you showed from Northern tool, then you'll be doing basically the same thing, except you'll be going thru the 7-pin camper plug when you could just remove it and use the 4-pin adapter that came with the truck. At least, that's how mine works. The only thing is, I can't use the bracket that's on the frame with either of my adapters, and THAT'S where GM dropped the ball. It's kinda hard to explain, but hopefully that works.
Yeah, thanks to this thread, I have discovered mine works the same way. The problem with the design on the SS (because of the rear facia), is you have to unplug the harness from the back of the 7-pin adapter, which will usually require crawling under the truck, and this isn't a practical solution in the dark or in winter conditions. For ease of use, we really need something that is a direct plugin solution to that 7-pin adapter. On the SS, I don't see that happening unless that the bracket on the frame is re-welded in a different location/angle. The current application is akin to having to crawl under the truck to connect the air hose to the compressor to put air in the tires. Thankfully, someone at GM had the foresight to locate the compressor hookup in the back of the vehicle! :yes:
BowtieNut
09-29-2006, 03:12 PM
Yeah, thanks to this thread, I have discovered mine works the same way. The problem with the design on the SS (because of the rear facia), is you have to unplug the harness from the back of the 7-pin adapter, which will usually require crawling under the truck, and this isn't a practical solution in the dark or in winter conditions. For ease of use, we really need something that is a direct plugin solution to that 7-pin adapter. On the SS, I don't see that happening unless that the bracket on the frame is re-welded in a different location/angle. The current application is akin to having to crawl under the truck to connect the air hose to the compressor to put air in the tires. Thankfully, someone at GM had the foresight to locate the compressor hookup in the back of the vehicle! :yes:
Oh I agree, I think they really dropped the ball on this detail. Mine came with that dust cover (the one shown in 2002SLT's pics) installed in the bracket, and the 7-pin camper adapter loose in the cargo area. After I realized that the camper plug is useless when it's in the bracket, I tried to find a better way to mount the camper plug, but I didn't really see any easy way to do it without it being an ugly eyesore back there. I'd still like to find a better way, but for now I guess I'll just install whichever adapter I need at the time. Luckily I only need the camper adapter in nice weather.
Larryi
10-02-2006, 03:54 PM
I too had the problem with the factory plug not opening enought to insert the trailer plug into the socket, let alone the fact that I didn't want to crawl under the truck every time (Western Washington is not the ideal climate to do that). I whined enough that the dealer had me get an estimate from a local welding shop to move the socket. They were able to move the socket to the bumper, in the black area next to the license tag. I hope Chevrolet ended up paying the $80 and not the dealer, though I wouldn't bet on it.
Larry Imbeau
I too had the problem with the factory plug not opening enought to insert the trailer plug into the socket, let alone the fact that I didn't want to crawl under the truck every time (Western Washington is not the ideal climate to do that). I whined enough that the dealer had me get an estimate from a local welding shop to move the socket. They were able to move the socket to the bumper, in the black area next to the license tag. I hope Chevrolet ended up paying the $80 and not the dealer, though I wouldn't bet on it.
Larry Imbeau
Larry;
Take a pic and post where it was relocated...in case those of us that tow might be interested in relocating the bracket. Thanks!
ScarabEpic22
10-02-2006, 09:23 PM
Sounds good Larry, and welcome!
Where in western WA are you? Im in North Seattle.
c72lt1
10-03-2006, 07:30 PM
Wow! I just checked mine out, and it looks nothing like yours. See the difference?
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g282/mytbss/Mytbss/TPlug1sm.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g282/mytbss/Mytbss/Tplug2small.jpg
What's the build date on your SS? Mine's March '06.
My SS is a Feb 06 build and it looks like the above pictures. Don't have a hinged cover. Looks like a plastic plug placed in hole as seen above. It is not openable. Except the connector shown in the second picture is plugged into a connector on mine. It looks like a male/female connector joined.
Also I have a four pin connector sticking out at the hitch receiver. I did not find either adapter in the car when I rec'd it.
I have pictures but don't know how to post them, help please. I have not modified the wiring in any way, as rec'd from the dealer. It was an ordered car also, the day after it arrived at the dealer I picked it up.
My SS is a Feb 06 build and it looks like the above pictures. Don't have a hinged cover. Looks like a plastic plug placed in hole as seen above. It is not openable. Except the connector shown in the second picture is plugged into a connector on mine. It looks like a male/female connector joined.
Also I have a four pin connector sticking out at the hitch receiver. I did not find either adapter in the car when I rec'd it.
I have pictures but don't know how to post them, help please. I have not modified the wiring in any way, as rec'd from the dealer. It was an ordered car also, the day after it arrived at the dealer I picked it up.
It appears that your tow wiring is already hooked up and ready for use. The hinged connector is virtually worthless on the TBSS so don't fret about that one. The other 4-pin adapter is already hooked up and run to the receiver hitch (per the instructions), so you're all set (if you have to tow something that is).
Larryi
10-09-2006, 01:28 PM
In response to KWB, the attached pictures should show what they did to my trailer plug. I'm pretty sure they just moved the origial factory plug.
http://www.imbeau.com/images/DSC_0221.JPG
http://www.imbeau.com/images/DSC_0220.JPG
In response to ScarabEpic22 I'm in Monroe, Washington. Airport Welding in Snohomish did the work.
Larry
Larry:
Nice, very clean and ready to use without having to crawl under the vehicle, the way it should have been done in the first place...thanks! :yes:
Larryi
10-09-2006, 03:57 PM
Larry:
Nice, very clean and ready to use without having to crawl under the vehicle, the way it should have been done in the first place...thanks! :yes:
Yes, though they would have given theirselves just a little more room to work with on the side I think. A closer look revels that the installer trimmed off the flange on the left side of the plug entirely and drilled a new hole for the lower left bolt along the bottom, under the plug. No bolt on the upper left, it's too close to the facia, but it seems to be sturdy enough.
Larry
GMtech45
10-09-2006, 05:46 PM
I installed a 6 pin with door & anchored it to the hitch behind the facia b/c the facia itself doesn't have enough support when removing the trailer plug.
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f398/GMtech45/P5210270.jpg
ScarabEpic22
10-09-2006, 08:20 PM
In response to KWB, the attached pictures should show what they did to my trailer plug. I'm pretty sure they just moved the origial factory plug.
http://www.imbeau.com/images/DSC_0221.JPG
http://www.imbeau.com/images/DSC_0220.JPG
In response to ScarabEpic22 I'm in Monroe, Washington. Airport Welding in Snohomish did the work.
Larry
Very nice, if I get an SS I will probably have to have something like that done too as it would be a PITA to have to get under there every time I went to tow something.
You are pretty close to me, but Monroe is still a little bit of a drive in Seattle traffic.