PhxWilsons

I just installed a trailer hitch on my 2005 RX-330. The car does NOT have the towing package. I was charged $63 (OUCH) for a Lexus 4 flat trailer wiring harness that should just plug into the wiring loom at a convenient empty male plug located under the cargo bins in the rear of the driver's side of the car.

The expected male receptacle was where it is supposed to be, but it does not have ANY power.

On a car without the towing package, should this plug be energized?

tfischer

I don't do any towing, but my (used) RX came with the "Towing Prep Package." (I know this because I have the original window sticker.)

Upon investigation, I found out that the TPP includes a larger radiator, a transmission oil cooler, a larger alternator (3 things that are nice to have, towing or not towing) and a wiring harness for trailer brake lights, which is a plug somewhere in the back end of the car that I am supposed to be able to find if I look, which I haven't.

My guess from your post is that the wires may be there, because it's cheaper to put then in all cars than to wire some with and some without, but it's not connected to anything on the other end.

But I could be wrong.