2021+ Ford Bronco: How To Fix Curt 56468 Trailer Hitch Wire Harness To Work With Halogen Tail Lights

IMPORTANT UPDATE MAY 2022: If you have have halogen tail lights, and you have not already purchased a trailerwiring harness, there is finally one now available that is specifically designed to work with halogen style tail lights. Google search for Tekonsha 118867 or Curt 56471 and you will find it. No more need to make the modification detailed in this video.
Product link: amzn.to/3teAU4m
If you have the Curt 56468 that was designed to work with LED tail lights, and you have halogen style tail lights, then this video still applies to you...
The aftermarket Curt PN 56468 trailer hitch wire harness connector for the 2021-2022 Ford Bronco will NOT work on Broncos with the halogen style tail lights such as those on the Base, Big Bend, and Black Diamond models. It WILL work on models with LED tail lights found on the Outer Banks, Badlands, Wild Trak, and First Edition models.
If you have the halogen style tail lights, there is a simple way to re-wire the connectors so that it will work properly. In this video I will show you exactly how to do that!
Special thanks to Bronco6G forum member VoltageDrop who first tested this fix, as well as members 72BroncoSand and skoorb76 who also assisted.
Music with permission by Ronan Conroy (ronanconroy.bandcamp.com)

[@BudgetBronco]

IMPORTANT UPDATE! If you have have halogen tail lights, and you have not already purchased a trailer harness, there is finally one now available that is specifically designed to work with halogen style tail lights. Google search for Tekonsha 118867 and you will find it. No more need to make the modification detailed in this video.

[@BudgetBronco]

Where do you see that? I see under 'MAKE / MODEL / STYLE' it says "Ford, Bronco, Except w/LED Taillights"

[@williamshafer9449]

Yep, instructions also say for "Except w/LED Taillights"

[@jamesd6883]

Do you still have to ground the red wire?

[@RichardYeargan-td4rn]

I have a Curt harness for my 22 Bronco Sasquatch no led lights and it works great!

[@larrynevins101]

Truly a lifesaver! Would have spent hours pulling my hair out "troubleshooting" if I hadn't found your video. Great instruction and visuals in the video. Thank you very much!

[@BudgetBronco]

Glad it helped! Thanks for the comment!!

[@rgalvinmi]

yes, I just pulled my hair out for 3 hours after installing tekonsha 118849 trying to figure out why it wasn't working....posted in on the forum, guys sent me here...tomorrow is another day to try to reverse the pins...what a pain in the ass...

[@Robstube1976]

So yeah I just did that. I’m telling you it was hell. the paper clip trick didn’t work for me. I had take out the whole white middle part.

[@BudgetBronco]

I have seen a few people comment that they had trouble, but for me it was easy. I will say: try to find something a little stiffer than a paper clip that still fits in the hole if you can. Thanks for the comment!

[@anthony2558]

Me to

[@andrusoid4552]

You are a lifesaver. eTrailer did indeed sell this harness to me, but I hadn't seen your video yet. If it's any consolation for us, the "new" harness is $50+ dollars more than the LED one. Going to look for a burly paper clip.

[@BudgetBronco]

Oh wow I did not know they jacked up the price on the new one. Good luck with this project, reply back and let me know how it goes! Yes you want something sturdy, not a small flimsy clip

[@andrusoid4552]

@@BudgetBronco Led one is the same price, but the halogen one 50$ more.

[@berniesoprano6980]

You have no idea how much time and money you saved me! Thanks for this video and sharing it.

[@BudgetBronco]

That makes me very happy!! Thanks for the comment

[@0430ism]

One of the best videos I've seen. Thnx you Tim. Just a brief note, My Big Bend came with the signature lighting option selected.

[@0430ism]

I only mention this because there may be others that do not realize they have LED lighting.

[@BudgetBronco]

Thank you! Yes on Big Bend it is an optional upgrade, so some BB will have halogen, and some BB will have LED. It is important to know the difference. Only follow this process if you have halogen, and also see my description and pinned comment, there are now part numbers available that are designed for the halogen configuration, and this modification is not necessary at all if you you buy the right one.

[@joelharrison7541]

The numbers of the harness wire pins are stamped to the back side of the connectors if u look really closely. Just wanted to point that out, it helped me quite a bit. Thanks for the great video, it saved me as I had it already installed when I figured out there was a problem.

[@BudgetBronco]

Thanks for that tip, and glad I could help!

[@darrendocherty2325]

Thank you! This hack saved me endless hours of aggravation. Now if the Bronco would just arrive at the dealer so I can complete the installation…

[@BudgetBronco]

Glad I could help and good luck with the delivery!

[@kwil6648]

Just did this following along with your video. The pins were a bit tough to get out for me. But I persisted and got it. Thank you so much for your help. I could not have done this without your video.

[@BudgetBronco]

Glad it helped! Ya for those doing this just take your time, and when putting the pins in listen/feel for that click. If you don't hear it, you might need to change the orientation of the pin. Thanks for the comment!

[@arnaldorivera7031]

You can take out the whole plastic covering fairly easily for better access without damaging it. I've done it more than once while trouble shooting and I'm quite surprised I haven't broken anything

[@HolosSolar]

Thanks so much! I fixed my trailer wiring because of your video!! I, of course had already installed it but was barely able to pull out the connectors and swap the pins. How in the heck did you ever figure out if you swap pins 3 & 5 it will work?? Genius!

[@BudgetBronco]

AWESOME!! Glad I could help. If you read the description I have attached to the video you will see that I credit a couple of very helpful fellow Bronco owners from the bronco6g.com forum that helped to develop this fix. Thanks for watching!

[@train1962]

I believe CURT 56471 is what is now available for the (cheap) non LED models. I hope to have my Black Diamond sometime in July.

[@BudgetBronco]

You are correct, looks like both Tekonsha and Curt now have updated part numbers. I have updated my video description accordingly.

[@rwood9295]

Just like other your a lifesaver now if we can get Amazon to list them different as well as Curt. Again thanks and keep it up!

[@BudgetBronco]

Glad I could help, and thanks for watching!

[@marbledmeatshop]

Incredibly helpful, once again. I definitely advise finding a tool that's stiffer than a paperclip. That was certainly the hardest part with it bending and not having much leverage. But, I am now all set for wiring up tomorrow thanks to you! Cheers.

[@BudgetBronco]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zackjablonski]

What did you use? Nothing is working. I bought an el cheapo assorted connector removal tool on Amazon and still no luck

[@BudgetBronco]

Any stiff wire should work. Try to find one that is the maximum diameter that will still fit in the hole

[@jonesbald]

Thanks man! my first modification was my tires which I did got the idea from your video. I will surely put the trailer hitch reciever and the trailer wire harness pretty soon.

[@BudgetBronco]

Glad I could help! Which tires did you go with?

[@jonesbald]

@@BudgetBronco I did go for that General Grabber A/T (33). They look great ! not flashy but just a simple aggressive looking vehicle. I kept the original rims for a retro look. Again , thanks for sharing your ideas.

[@stephanief0wler]

Thank you I just ordered this for my base , I'm glad I subscribe to your channel

[@BudgetBronco]

Glad I could help! Installation video coming soon...

[@edmorris5007]

Tim, thanks for another excellent Video, that’s going to help, so many of us!

[@BudgetBronco]

Thank you very much! That is the biggest reason I do these videos, to give others some ideas they might use on their own builds, and to help others solve problems or fix things.

[@antonisekowski8606]

Unfortunately Amazon did me wrong and I ended up installing the LED version on my Halogen tail light Bronco. I rewired per the video and everything works fine now. Should I still cut and ground the red wire? That was one of the wires you had us relocate. Appreciate the video!

[@BudgetBronco]

I would say if everything is working perfectly, why mess with it?

[@salacitastranscendentiamors]

thanks i have a 2021 big B.. must have got optional LEDs tail lights .. has them.. thanks for the photos...

[@BudgetBronco]

Yes on Big Bend the LED are optional. On my Base, they are not available, all Base have halogen.

[@Mustang66289]

Very informative, thanks!!

[@BudgetBronco]

You're welcome! Please read my recent notes in the description. Curt and Tekonsha are now selling updated harnesses with new part numbers that are designed for halogen style tail lights, so this fix is no longer needed if you can get one of the new models.

[@anthony2558]

Thanks for all the hard work. Can't we just do it the old school way. T taps or cut and splice left turn, right turn, park, and brake? What's the black box due? Was that only made for led setup so you don't get canbus error?

[@BudgetBronco]

Great comment Anthony, I hear ya. Working on cars was a lot easier before they started using computers in them, but this is the world we live in! I honestly don't know exactly what the controller box does on the hitch. I just know it needs power and a ground in order to function!

[@robertwalters4332]

I love your videos! My Bronco is on it's way and can't wait to do some upgrades like you.

[@BudgetBronco]

Awesome! Thanks for watching, and I hope you enjoy your new Bronco as much as I do mine.

[@bucksrcworld8119]

great how too video, still have to install this on my base.

[@BudgetBronco]

Glad to hear it! If you are purchasing a wire harness for the Base now, they now make a harness specific to the Base style tail lights, so this wiring modification is no longer required. The one you want to buy is here: amzn.to/3teAU4m

[@bucksrcworld8119]

@@BudgetBronco appreciate the reply, this is awesome they corrected it!

[@HAIDARAVEN]

Awesome videos....keep em coming

[@BudgetBronco]

Thanks! Will do!

[@HAIDARAVEN]

@@BudgetBronco as a Black diamond owner....this knowledge helps avoid pitfalls....thanks

[@manimann7481]

Did everything you said i cut the red wire and grounded the white

[@BudgetBronco]

Go to my main channel page on KZbin, click on 'About', and you will see my email address. Send me an email and I will try to help you with this.

[@No2Know1]

Awesome content. It is very helpful to have someone ho is forging ahead. I am doing something very similar with my Bronco. I love the old school broncos and there is an item that I am looking for that I wonder if you have come across in your searching. I would love to find a set of hub caps like the original bronco came with, raised center cap in 16" I would love to find someone who is producing them. I guess that I could go to a 15" wheel but I really would prefer not to. Any help would be appreciated.

[@BudgetBronco]

Something like this? www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/dog-dish-hub-caps-on-steelies.14100/post-1136750

[@ro-bee-24]

Hey Tim. I originally installed a Takonsha system on my base Bronco with Halogen taillights. My trailer lights did not work.I have just rewired the connectors as you suggested but still doesn't work. Only running lights work. No turn signals or brake lights. Any ideas?

[@BudgetBronco]

Which Tekonsha part number did you install?

[@mikemullin693]

I switched pins 3 and 5 and the blinkers and brake lights now work. But the trailer lights do not come on when I turn the head lights on. Any suggestions? Thx Mike

[@BudgetBronco]

Hmmm...that is really strange. The parking lights are controlled on pin 2, and you didn't touch that. Possibly a defective connector??

[@bowzerdoo777]

I bought a 56471 curt harness will I have to do the mod on that one? The Curt website shows that one is for Broncos without LED tail lights Just buy luck I happened to buy the right one

[@BudgetBronco]

If you have Curt 56471, and you have halogen style tail lights, then you do NOT need to make this modification!

[@jkellarmusic3268]

This finally got my turn signals working. But my brake lights still aren’t on the trailer. I recently traded out the old style to a new brighter led tail light on the trailer. Would that be the issue?

[@BudgetBronco]

It's possible, here is one way to check. Get a cheap tester like this one and if it shows the brake lights are working at the connection, then it must be the trailer amzn.to/3KtnrNP

[@jkellarmusic3268]

@@BudgetBronco yeah I used a tester and didn’t see it working so must be another wire switch?

[@BudgetBronco]

Maybe you should consider sending your harness back for a refund, and instead getting the new version that is made for halogen: Tekonsha 118867 or Curt 56471

[@stevenlengel5338]

Thanks

[@BudgetBronco]

You bet!

[@eduardogallardo8781]

So I have a big bend with halogen taillights but bought the oracle led flush mounted, will the halogen harness still work even though I am now upgrading to led?

[@BudgetBronco]

Good question! I am going to give you my best answer based on my knowledge, but I have never tested this. The halogen harness should still work. I say that because the trailer hitch harness plugs in between the Bronco and the tail light, and the only difference between the two harnesses as it pertains to the trailer hitch wiring is the position of the pins. So, since you started with a halogen setup, the pins are oriented for halogen, and the halogen style hitch harness should work. If you try this and it does NOT work, please let me know! PS: Just to be safe, order from a place that has good return policy. If it does not work, you won't harm anything, just that the trailer lights won't all work correctly. Test them all: turn L, turn R, brake, and running lights.

[@datpicks88]

What the difference between the curt 56471 vs 56468 for the bronco?

[@datpicks88]

So the difference from curt 56741 model is for standard lights and the 56468 model is the led lights.

[@BudgetBronco]

Yes that is correct. When I first made this video there was no standard/halogen option

[@geraldhillman4929]

Hi, thanks for the video, just tried it out , initially everything worked, driving it today blinker blinks fast, taillight not working, any insights before I open it up again?? Thanks, Ger

[@BudgetBronco]

That is very strange, especially that it worked at first and then stopped working. Most likely that would mean one of the wires is loose, I would start there. Give a tug on each of the wires that you swapped in the connector and make sure it is snug. If not that, maybe one of the connector pins is a little bent, in which case you might also try putting a little bit of dialectric grease on each pin to make sure you are getting a good connection. Please reply back and let me know!

[@geraldhillman4929]

@@BudgetBronco Your advice was a bullseye. Thanks for responding and I totally appreciate your well thought out and executed video presentations. As a retired teacher I appreciate the effort in your lesson plans, and your theme for your Budget Bronco website. I’m a fan. Hopefully you get to get out there and play on the range! Ger

[@BudgetBronco]

Great!! Thank you for letting me know, I am very happy to hear that worked.

[@clintharris4447]

Is this kit used to control lights from RV to the bronco or from the bronco to a trailer?

[@BudgetBronco]

The latter. It adds a 4 pin hitch wiring connection that you can use to plug in a trailer

[@anthony2558]

In the video did you already have the other side completed?

[@BudgetBronco]

Yes. Repeat the exact same process on both the driver side and passenger side connectors.

[@signalaheadoriginaltunes4159]

Cool! I was thinking, you could also sort the wires, clip them in the center of the Curt harness, swap the wires (yellow/white) twist them together, solder them, shrink wrap them and then you are done. Doing it this way (as long as soldered and you don't forget to load the shrinkwrap beforehand for each connection) allows you to never mess with the plastic receptacles/removing all the brass fittings. Of course, making sure the correct two wires are cut and reconnected is the key. Of course, you are only cutting the Curt Harness, not the Ford assembly. Was the install difficult? I heard it is plug-and-play.

[@BudgetBronco]

Yes, you could do it that way as well. Honestly, I think the way I do it in the video is a lot easier and less likely to result in any shorts or problems down the road. Installation is very easy, stay tuned for a video coming soon. Thanks for the comment!

[@signalaheadoriginaltunes4159]

@@BudgetBronco I know! I was looking for your to install vid cause you noted it. I Will stay tuned for sure. I am hoping it is just plug and go. I also heard you have to take half of the ass off the truck and I am hoping that is not the case.

[@BudgetBronco]

Just posted the full install video!

[@etmccaus]

...why would you elect to cut and solder when re-pinning, like in this video, is easier and more robust?

[@manimann7481]

Great video thanks for the help, but after i installed it look like it blew my left rear break and signal light as the the blinker is very fast, any advice?

[@BudgetBronco]

First let's figure out if you have the right setup: what kind of tail lights do you have, and what Curt part number did you install?

[@manimann7481]

I have a black diamond model and the part is bought is #C42WR I followed both your videos all the steps, the left signal does not work, and the left brake light, but everything else is perfect and when I use the four pin tester, everything worked fine.

[@BudgetBronco]

Hmmm sorry but I dont think I will be able to help you without more info. It sounds like you have the halogen tail lights same as the Base, and you bought a wiring harness that is intended for LED. So you have to do the wire swap as I showed in my video and then it should work. Did you cut and ground the red wire?

[@waynehamilton5248]

Once this mod is done, what if you tow a trailer that happens to have LED tail lights? Will they work since this mod was done?

[@BudgetBronco]

Yes. The only issue is that the pin locations for Bronco LED tail lights is different than the pin locations for the halogen tail lights. So once you have those correction locations, there is no difference in the output.

[@ronnielambert1255]

Your awesome man!

[@BudgetBronco]

Thank you and thanks for watching!!

[@eddyclavijo1006]

Hey what’s up! I followed every step and my R turn signal light is no longer working. I took it into ford thinking it was the bulb they I for meter it’s coming from the trailer hitch wiring. Any advice or direction on what to do next. There solution was not a solution. They could cut the wiring and send me to their wiring department! Please lmk!!

[@BudgetBronco]

Are you certain your Bronco has the halogen style tail lights and not the LED tail lights?

[@m.linusisabell7381]

@@BudgetBronco were you able to find a fix for Eddy? I am having the same issue, confirm that I have Halogen lights on my base model Bronco). My right turn signal no longer works with the right side of the trailer harness attached. If I disconnect it the turn signal works fine, if I plug in the harness back in it does not work. Thanks!

[@BudgetBronco]

Strange...which harness make and part number are you using? The reason I ask is, perhaps the manufacturers have now acknowledged that there was a problem, and have made a fix on their end. But if you are using the same Curt that I used, their website is still showing that it works only on LED Broncos, so I don't think that is the case.

[@BudgetBronco]

Hey Eddy and Linus...breaking news...both Tekonsha and Curt have finally come out with wiring harnesses that are specifically designed to work with the halogen tail light systems. So, if you are having problems and can't fix them, your best bet might be to return your harness and exchange it for the new part numbers. They are: Tekonsha 118867 and Curt 56471

[@arnaldorivera7031]

I did this exact hack and it still doesn’t work

[@BudgetBronco]

Go to my about page, get my email and send me a note, I will try to help you kzbin.infoabout

[@arnaldorivera7031]

@@BudgetBronco Done and done. I sent an email. I perceive it to be a detailed message, hopefully it's not word salad. lol

[@BudgetBronco]

Sorry but I did not get anything, I checked my spam too nothing there

[@arnaldorivera7031]

@@BudgetBronco weird I let me see if it got sent back

[@ConstitutionalAudit1776]

So can I reverse the steps to make a non-LED one into an LED compatible harness?

[@BudgetBronco]

Yes you could, that seems logical. But also please take a look in my video description: since this video was made more than a year ago, Curt and Tekonsha have now come out with new part numbers, so that there are separate and specific configurations for both the halogen and LED style tail lights.

[@julioblanco]

Excellent video, thanks!

[@BudgetBronco]

Glad you liked it!