Hi All,
Does anyone have any schematics or pin out details for the Volvo factory trailer wiring harness ?. Fits 1998 for sure, may fit others. Local V dealer wants $153.44. I am not sure if this part is the only thing required. He also mentioned 8633880 "adapter".
If it a completely passive harness (no electronic components), just wires, we may be able to DIY a home made harness. Does anyone have any experience here ?

Thanks in advance,
John

If you plan to use the '4 flat' connector, you need a converter. I got mine from U-Haul for about $50. This is necessary because the battery powers the lights directly using the car wiring only as a signal to the converter to keep the trailer separate from the car and it's electronics. It's easy since the battery and the harness is right there, Just figure how you want to run the pigtail out.
Ed

Thanks Ed,

Do you still have the instructions for the the harness ?
If you do, do you have the ability to scan them ?
Where does the harness plug into the car ?
What does the connector that plugs into the car look like ?
What does the trailer end of the Volvo harness look like ?
How many conductors / pins are there in the connectors ?

Thanks in advance,
John

There is a tow hitch on my 1998 V70. With a little prodding, I could look at it for you. All I know is that there is a battery lead that goes to the rear of the car to run the converter. And the leads to the trailer is flat with 4 wires.

Check out this web site:

http://www.drawtite-hitches.com/products/ModuLite_Circuit_Protected_Powered_Tail_Light_Converter,119176#accessories

Klaus
--
Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.

Hi Klaus,

I am trying to determine where the converter that you have is connected.
Other than the power wire that comes back directly from the battery,
are the inputs to the converter spliced/tapped into the existing bulb wires ?
or do you have a the special Volvo harness ?

Based on Ed's post it sound like your car does not have the harness.
Ed's post says that the harness has the 12 volts to power the converter in it.
I am trying to determine where the harness plugs into the car.

I found instructions for the 2001 v70 harness. That plugs in in the engine compartment, behind that battery. It is snaked back to the rear of the car where it comes in through an existing hole replacing an existing grommet.

Thanks to all for your help.
John

Folks:

http://www.xc70.com/resources/how-to/pdf/volvo-tow-hitch-wiring-%28usa%29-installation.pdf
Above is the URL for a 2000 2001. It is a different part number than the 1998 version. As you can see it connects in the engine compartment behind the battery. Does anyone out there have similar documentation for the 1998 version?

Thanks in advance,
John

I didn't mean to drop out like that.
My '01 has a plug in for the Volvo trailer pigtail. I just used a test light to determine the specific leads and added bullet connectors to my converter and a fused link went to the battery for power. For me everything is there by the spare tire. The end is four-flat.
You may want to go with the factory accessory.
Ed

I'm sure everyone else would appreciate if you could detail your effort. A pinout would be great. Even if you could just let us all know what converter you're using so someone else would know they could buy the same thing and have a good chance of getting it working.

For example did you run separate power from the battery to the converter? Does the connector in the trunk have a separate power line for the converter?

EDIT: I see you already said you ran separate power. Still we'd like to know more details of how you put this together and how it works for you.

--
1998 V70 AWD->FWD Turbo 200k+

I got my receiver, hitch and converter from U-Haul. Good prices on good products.
Since I have a 2001 and the discussion is about a 1998, I'd imagine some differences were involved, although Volvo doesn't change dramatically over time.
The converter comes complete with a length of heavy gauge wire and fuse holder to power the converter whether the battery is in front or back.
The part #13493 is about $40. The converter also has test lights built in so you can tell a source problem from a trailer problem. The converter is fed by ground, battery+, stop, L turn, R turn, tail. You can fish the 4-flat through a grommet on the rear or just toss it out the tailgate. The salt here in Michigan eats up the connections, so I keep it all 'inside' when not in use.
I don't know which connections were which without testing with my test light.
Everyone needs a test light in their bag of tricks.
Ed

Thanks for the info sir! That's just what I was looking for.

--
1998 V70 AWD->FWD Turbo 200k+

Ed,

Thanks for the data.

John