98 V70 Trailer Wiring

briderx · Post by **briderx** » 09 Apr 2012, 15:40

I have been doing some research on trailers for my Volvo. Weight and capacity aren't an issue, but wiring is. I cannot figure out how the wiring is supposed to work in my Volvo. I found a connector:

that was located under the right floor panel. Didn't see any connectors on the left. That connector has VERY small print on it labeled "AMP" - If that means literally an amp connector, then I'm not seeing anything for tail lighting. Can someone point me in the right direction? Thanks!

Post by **rspi** » 09 Apr 2012, 16:22

I believe you have to wire a connector in. I had to. There is a thread done within the past month that had the wires to splice into. If you can't search and find it I can repost the wires. I just did mine about 3 weeks ago.

briderx · Post by **briderx** » 09 Apr 2012, 16:26

I'll look for it. Haven't come across it so far in my research. When you did yours, what hitch did you ultimately go with? I'm looking at one on autopartswarehouse.. Hidden Hitch. About 155 shipped. What wiring harness did you go with?

briderx · Post by **briderx** » 09 Apr 2012, 18:11

Can't find it. Any way you can link me?

Post by **rspi** » 09 Apr 2012, 18:58

Here you go...
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... te#p230974

briderx · Post by **briderx** » 09 Apr 2012, 19:31

So, it looks like you ran a power wire directly to your battery, then just tapped into each individual wire.. Have you had any issues with popping fuses?

Spreader · Post by **Spreader** » 20 Sep 2012, 17:24

I just installed a hitch on my '98 V70 as well and am having wiring questions.

1. What is that grey connector for???

2. Do I need a "powered" tail light module?

U-Haul told me the Volvo wiring harness cannot supply enough power to work the traier lights. Are they just trying to get me to pay double for the fancy kit or is this for real?

briderx · Post by **briderx** » 20 Sep 2012, 17:27

I just installed mine this last weekend. When I get home I will update my post to help you out.

byeboy · Post by **byeboy** » 20 Sep 2012, 18:55

On my 850, I ran a single 12 gauge wire up to the battery positive, then a powered "converter" in the rear, using those blue 3M quick splice things that you just slip over the wires. Mine has worked great for 1,000's of miles.

briderx · Post by **briderx** » 25 Sep 2012, 15:06

Alright, so it took me a bit to update this, as I hadn't actually had an opportunity to check whether or not my wiring setup worked or not, and didn't want to lead you down the wrong path. So, I clipped (left side of vehicle) Brake light wire, Left Turn, Running lights and soldered in a T to allow one more connection. On the right side, I clipped the Right Turn signal and ran a long wire to the left side of my car (all of this done in the tail of the vehicle). I then purchased a trailer wiring converter for independent lights from O'Reilly Auto for 12-14 bucks. Wired in the correct colors and connected to a 7 pin harness that i installed on the back of my Volvo. I ran a 12g wire from my battery w/inline 20A fuse within 2" of the battery back to the wiring harness i installed. All in all, i did this twice, first time trying to find a good way to NOT purchase the converter but in the end, I ended up buying it, and my trailer lights are BRIGHT. I have a 14' tent trailer with running lights going all they way down the side (probably 8-10 lights) + another 8-10 on the back.. Every single one is surprisingly bright and have absolutely no problems with it.

Let me know if you have any other questions!