trailer wiring question...

carboncow · Post by **carboncow** » 25 Apr 2013, 22:02

I know there is a tail in the rear trunk of my XC70 (2003) that can attached to a Volvo factory trailer wiring harness, but...

Has anyone used a standard generic one with success? I have to have an extra new unit setup for european lights (vs. Japan) and want to know if tapping such a solution into the existing wiring causes any issues with light warning lights (changed impedance?) or other such issues that can be seen with trailer wiring.

what "real world" success or failures can anyone talk about?

Post by **jimmy57** » 25 Apr 2013, 22:54

You have to use a powered trailer light converter. If you google that you'll find themat U-Haul stores and many auto stores. This unit will only use the connections to tail, turn, and stop as signals so the bulb failure system will not go whacko and you will not stress the REM and its shunts. You can use a self reset circuit breaker also sold at these places (20-30 Amp) and get power supply next to battery at the fusible strip center there.

jeljm · Post by **jeljm** » 26 Apr 2013, 11:27

I have used the uhaul wiring harness with great success on my 98 v70. You just have to run a line (supplied) from the lighting unit to the positive terminal on your battery (it'll connect via a fuse), then use the supplied taps to connect to the appropriate wire that drives the lights in the rear. I used a circuit tester to determine which was the correct one. You also need to ground the box to something in the trunk most unpainted screws will work. Once you're all done the unit will have indicator lights to tell you if it's functioning. It took me about an hour and I took my time.

auburneduprof · Post by **auburneduprof** » 01 May 2013, 17:55

For me, nothing like the $109. OEM one from IPD. 3 minutes to install, the right grommet, and my trailer lights are brighter than they've ever been. I'm cheap, but it was a no-brainer for me.

CamZH · Post by **CamZH** » 22 Aug 2013, 23:40

Do you have a link to the OEM harness ?
I'm looking to add a towbar to my S60

CamZH · Post by **CamZH** » 28 Aug 2013, 18:18

So I got a wiring harness from a local dealer (part no 30681 980)
Looks nice and easy to install,
But the dealer tells me I need to have some programming done to make this work.
Sounds like a load of BS to me.

Can anyone add anything to this ?

auburneduprof · Post by **auburneduprof** » 30 Aug 2013, 09:05

Nope. Plug and play. At least it was for my 2002 v70.

CamZH · Post by **CamZH** » 19 Sep 2013, 00:32

Got this installed on the weekend,
Was plug and play for me also (with the extra fuses into the rear fuse box)

mglass · Post by **mglass** » 06 Mar 2016, 06:54

Does this mean the V70 has it's own converter or is that in the oem wiring harness? And what is an IPD?
I already purchased a Curt tail light converter before I read this forum and am now wondering if I can tap into the wires on the connector or if I even need the converter.

Post by **bskeels** » 06 Mar 2016, 09:02

The V70 does not have its own convertor, IPD is a company that specializes in Volvo oem parts and performance parts. You will need the convertor to make your trailer lights function properly. A convertor is needed any time you have separate turn signals and brake lights.