AVguy2

So just came across this on fleet.ford.com. Interestingly it shows a 7 pin trailer connector diagram as well as the 4 pin. https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/2017/2017_Transit_Connect_-_Specs.pdf And another interesting item: https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/2017/2017_Transit_Connect_v1-0.pdf

Does the service manual show actual part numbers for wiring harnesses and modules? If it does what does it show for the 2016 TC's for factory trailer installations? TIA

Thanks for posting all of that info. Very helpful. Will be interesting to see if the 2017 diagrams are the same (I suspect they will be). Hope to hear from the dealer sometime today about what they have been able to dig up.

So I just found a copy of the 2017 Transit Connect wiring diagrams on eBay for $30. So I just purchased it in hopes that it shows some level of detail on this module and the associated wiring. Should be here in about a week.

This is my understanding as well. I did some poking around on the Ford UK site among others and came across these items: https://www.jenningsmotorgroup.co.uk/shop/view/1940155-ford-transit-connect-trailer-rear-module/ https://www.jenningsmotorgroup.co.uk/shop/view/1929278-ford-transit-connect-electrical-kit-for-tow-bar-13-pin-connector-detachable/ This is just a generic image not a TC specific image. The module is certainly the correct style module just not sure if it is identical to the US spec version. The 13 pin trailer connector is the standard in Europe and can certainly be adapted to the US type connectors as needed. I called the dealer and they are still working on it and they say they will call me tomorrow.

Found this other US towing guide that covers all 2017 models: http://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/Ford_Linc_17RV&TTgde_r5_Mar3.pdf Looking to see if there is a European equivalent guide that may shed some light on the situation.

By the way the cost of that replacement CAN bus trailer module in the US is about $95 (This compared to the Ford Accessory module at about $65). The four pin harness is about $25. I just need to know what other harnesses are needed to complete the system.

While what you say is true about the 2000 pound limits in North America is true, factory equipped TC's do have the CAN bus module so they do have to keep spare parts in inventory in the US anyway so why not just publish what is needed and make them available to folks who want to do it the "factory" way. This brochure https://www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/17RV&TT_Ford_TransitConnect_Sep7.pdf which is clearly intended for the US says that to tow a trailer over 1500 pounds you need the following: 1: A four pin lighting trailer harness 2: A rated hitch receiver 3: Trailer sway control These items are shown as "required" not just recommended. Our TC Wagon has just about every option except the towing package. I just want to make it like a factory install. It should be possible without having to jump through hoops. I for one think that having trailer brakes even on small trailers is a great idea and would love to have the european setup with the 13 pin connector. That too should be possible with the right parts. I will continue to research this issue. When and if I am able to get this setup installed, I will document it and post here.

Thanks for the reply although I'm not sure if any of my questions have been answered. The factory installed towing module is a CAN bus module like most of the other electronics in modern cars. The accessory module that Ford sells in the US is not a CAN bus module and cannot function the same way. I see that on most Ford vehicles in Europe they do sell the CAN bus type module so it can be added afterwards. I'm not sure why that would not be the case for the TC. I really don't understand the logic of NOT using the factory type module in the case of adding a hitch later on like I am doing. I mean the plastic trim needs to be removed by the rear fuse box anyway to mount the non CAN bus interface in the same general area so why not provide the same factory interface and cables so it will be just like a factory equipped TC. Just seems kind of dumb to me. The factory module is what senses a trailer being connected and enabling the sway control.

Our new 2017 TC Wagon had the rails but no crossbars. When picking it up from dealer I asked if we could work a deal on the crossbars since they are so expensive as an accessory. Turns out the dealers parts department had one that someone had ordered and never picked up. They charged me $250 which I felt was OK. I count myself lucky.

It looks normal to me, as that is the same view we are getting on our camera.

So I'm new to the forum after lurking for awhile. Purchased a 2017 TC LWB Wagon Titanium in July and after much consideration of what was available selected the one we purchased that did not include the towing package. I did this mainly after seeing the hitch and a light interface module were available as accessories directly from Ford and figured it was something that could be more easily added unlike some other options like the heated windshield and traffic sensors etc. So after researching here and elsewhere it seems the accessory lighting module sold by Ford is quite different than the factory installed light interface module. I have the official instructions that were posted here and they do seem somewhat onerous to follow exactly. Having to splice the wiring in by soldering seems kind of crazy in this day and age. Also looked at several aftermarket modules (Curt etc) that have there own issues, mostly due to having the module installed on the left side of vehicle instead of the right (where the fuse box actually is). So I may use an aftermarket module for the short term as it is easily removable. I happend to stop by another dealer and looked at a 2016 commercial transit connect LWB that has a factory hitch and took a photo of the factory module and then went to the parts department to see what that part was and if it was available. They are doing some research for me now and I hope to hear from them next week. See attached photo The module has a part number printed on it DT1J-19H378-BD and that seems to cross to this part number(s) shown in second photo DT1Z-19H332-E or DT1Z-19H332-G (depending on production date). Still not sure what wiring is required. What is interesting is that the wiring does not seem to tie to the existing tail light wiring at all is is most likely a module on the CAN bus and gets its trigger signals that way. I wonder if this module also works in Europe where they use many more than 4 pins by default on trailer connectors. I also wonder if this is really required to get the automatic sensing of a trailer be connected to disable the parking and traffic sensors? So my big questions are these: Can the "factory" module be installed with the required wiring to a Transit Connect that did not have them from the factory? Can the "sway control" function be added/enabled regardless of what lighting module is used - Factory - Ford Accessory - Aftermarket ? Does anybody know what parts are required to add the factory setup if it is possible?