This is being posted to provide a reference to others who want info on installing the DrawTite ModuLite system in a 700 series wagon. I found little detailed info in archives before I did mine and thought this might be helpful.

The ModuLite system isolates the trailer wiring from the car's lighting system, enabling the "light out" circuit to remain functional. The system takes power directly from the car's battery and uses the car's lighting for signal only.

I obtained an in-line, water-resistant blade, type fuse holder rated for 30 amps from Radio Shack. The ModuLite instructions recommend using 12 AWG wire from the battery, so there is a hefty splice involving 10 and 12 AWG to be done up front by the battery. I also used a 3/8" ring connector to attach to the battery pos terminal. Splicing the 10 AWG to the ring terminal is a job also, I slit and opened up the ferrule on the ring terminal, soldered the wire to the lug, then soldered a small piece of copper banding around the opened ferrule. I've always been told you shouldn't trust solder for a mechanical connection.

I'll assume anyone reading this far knows how to remove the underdash trim on the driver's side. If not, I know this is out there in archive. To route the wire to the rear, there is a triple nipple grommet just below and outboard of the brake booster that only uses two of the nipples. From inside the car, pierce the spare nipple to the outside, then run the12 AWG power wire through the nipple from the inside of the car. Snake the wire along the driver's side outside edge of the car. The driver's door interior trim pulls up but, as always when dealing with plastic, be careful not to pull too hard too fast.

To route the power feed further, you're going to need to remove more interior trim. The FIRST piece you want to pull is the one directly outboard of the back seat, I believe it would be called the C pillar. You'll need a TORX screwdriver bit to remove the bracket that holds the seatback in place. There are three TORX bolts holding it, one is hidden by the rubber cushion. Then remove the seat belt anchor bolt. (Why is this a Standard sized bolt instead of metric? I dunno.) Remove the Phillips head screw in the top section and the piece will pull out, starting from the TOP and pulling up and out. Then you're ready to pull the trim under the cargo section window. NOTE: if you don't pull the C pillar trim off first, you WILL break fasteners holding this piece in place. Once the obvious fasteners are removed, this piece is removed by pushing it FORWARD. (Don't ask me how I learned this.) Remove the cargo section rear conrner trim pieces and you have access to everywhere you need. I usedlots of tie-wraps and ended up with an installation that looks very professional, if not factory.

From here, follow the instructions for wiring that come with the ModuLite system. Everything works fine and I have an installation that took all day to install, but looks the way I think it should.

If you're planning on this job, give yourself several hours to do it right. You'll probably save at least 1-2 hours of head scratching by reading this message, but skills vary so plan for at least an afternoon.

someguyfromMaryland