Towing Wire Harness Recall 98-99

Jukelemon · 12-22-04, 09:09 AM

I keep forgetting to post this.

For those that do not know, there exists a recall of the factory towing wire harness on 98 and 99 100's. If you go to your dealer, they will replace the entire harness (including sending unit) at no charge. Takes a couple of hours to do.

Just FYI.

Juke

hank14 · 12-22-04, 12:03 PM

How long has that been out?

On a side note, can a round plug be wired in next to the 4 flat plug? I occasionally use a trailer with a round plug, no brakes, and need a conversion.

DMX84 · 12-23-04, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jukelemon

I keep forgetting to post this.

For those that do not know, there exists a recall of the factory towing wire harness on 98 and 99 100's. If you go to your dealer, they will replace the entire harness (including sending unit) at no charge. Takes a couple of hours to do.

Just FYI.

Juke

Are you sure it’s a recall and not a TSB? Wouldn’t it have to be some sort of safety related issue for them to do a recall? I pulled mine out and it was messed up. Where they located them it was susceptible to all kinds of moisture. The new one gets located above the tail light. (nice and dry).
Dean

mabrodis · 12-23-04, 08:58 PM

Yes it is an official recall, it's a safety issue because if the module gets wet it can kill the trailer lights, that's where the safety part comes in.

Here is the actual text from alldatadiy.com:

Recall 99E012000: Trailer Hitch Kit Converter Shorting

Equipment Description: Towing hitch kits and aftermarket trailer towing wire harness converters for use on 1998-1999 Lexus LX470, and Toyota Land Cruisers. Due to inadequate waterproofing performance and improper installation location of the converter, which is mounted on the exterior of the vehicle, an electrical short circuit could occur if water enters the converter housing. The short circuit can cause a failure of the converter, and if a trailer is being towed at the time, can also cause failure of the trailer lights.

Dealers will replace the converter.

Owner notification began May 17, 1999. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Note: I like the last part, basically if a dealer tries to screw you, Toyota corporate wants to know...kinda cool.

DMX84 · 12-25-04, 06:45 PM

You think if I take my recipet to the dealer they can refund my $$? If I remember right C-Dans price was over 100 bucks. The dealer never mentioned this when I was there.
Dean

98LXand99LC · 12-26-04, 11:32 AM

Mine hasn't worked for about 2 years!!!! Thanks for the heads-up, I'm calling Toyota tomorrow.

98LXand99LC · 12-27-04, 11:43 AM

Just called them this morning. They took my VIN and called me back, sho' 'nuf it's a freebie! They said I have to bring the truck in and order the part, then bring it back for the repair.

madams557 · 12-27-04, 01:05 PM

Didn't by chance ask about warranty coverage on rattling cat shields??

98LXand99LC · 12-27-04, 01:07 PM

Nope, had that taken care of on the wifey's LX when it was still under warranty. And, I did it myself on my LC with a large screwdriver.

98LXand99LC · 12-29-04, 06:48 PM

Well, I took it in today and they looked at it and said, "this one is fine, it doesn't have to be replaced." Reading that recall memo it sounds to me like all of them should be replaced. Any thoughts?

e9999 · 01-16-05, 11:15 AM

darn it, the whole trailer wiring is screwed up on the 03 as well... but no recall?

Bad azz Cruiser · 06-20-05, 08:46 PM

anybody know the correct installation location of the converter box?

SINCITY100 · 06-20-05, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bad azz Cruiser

anybody know the correct installation location of the converter box?

On the truck and 4 runners (in the past) it was up high, behind the taillight in the 1/4 panel... I will check tomorrow on the TIS website (or with Toyota Technical directly) and let ya know..I havent even looked on my 2000 to see where it is...it sounds like too much work to me !!..lol

DMX84 · 06-21-05, 05:04 AM

The original one was on the cross member above the spare tire near the passenger side. Mine was all corroded and didn’t work. I purchased a new one for ~$200 from CDan and it gets mounted up inside the tail light on the driver’s side. It is a real nice unit, comes with all the necessary parts and it has a body seal for the wire to keep out dirt at the point the wires get inside the truck.
Dean

NMuzj100 · 12-12-05, 03:23 PM

Called the dealer and with my VIN they said no recall or TSB so there must have been a mid-model year fix? My truck was manufactured 7/1998.

Update: Called Toyota Costumer service at the 1(800) 331-4331 number above and they told me that my vehicle was covered but that the repair had already been performed.

Update (6/10/2008) I can't believe I've been on MUD 3 years! : My upgraded converter also went bad and was later replaced by a Hoppy unit with success.

richg · 12-12-05, 05:32 PM

I tried to get the recall done on my new to me '98. It has never had a hitch on it in its life, but the 1-800 number said that the recall was active for my VIN. So I was a bit hopeful that they'd install a new wiring harness for me free of charge.

Unfortunately, since my truck didn't have any sort of hitch wiring on it at all, the recall consisted of the dealer inspecting the truck, confirming that no recalled wiring was present, then sending me on my way.

I went ahead and bought the new wiring harness from the dealer (as they had ordered the parts for me in anticipation of performing the recall).

rich

SWUtah · 12-12-05, 10:42 PM

Does this apply if your LC has an after market hitch?

richg · 12-13-05, 06:53 AM

If you have older style factory tow WIRING, they replace it. If not, they check you off the list.

rich

SWUtah · 12-15-05, 03:23 PM

Mine qualifie for the recall, having it checked in a couple of weeks at the dealer, will let you guys know the outcome.

12-22-04, 09:09 AM	#1
Jukelemon IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Georgetown, KY Posts: 1,967	Towing Wire Harness Recall 98-99 I keep forgetting to post this. For those that do not know, there exists a recall of the factory towing wire harness on 98 and 99 100's. If you go to your dealer, they will replace the entire harness (including sending unit) at no charge. Takes a couple of hours to do. Just FYI. Juke __________________ "May you be in heaven a half an hour before the devil knows you're dead" 1992 4x4 PU

12-22-04, 12:03 PM	#2
hank14 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Granbury, Texas TLCA# 17839 Posts: 1,017	How long has that been out? On a side note, can a round plug be wired in next to the 4 flat plug? I occasionally use a trailer with a round plug, no brakes, and need a conversion. __________________ Scott Granbury, TX 1987 Beige FJ60.

12-23-04, 08:58 PM	#4
mabrodis Ih8mud stalker Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Castle Rock, CO Posts: 1,033	Yes it is an official recall, it's a safety issue because if the module gets wet it can kill the trailer lights, that's where the safety part comes in. Here is the actual text from alldatadiy.com: Recall 99E012000: Trailer Hitch Kit Converter Shorting Equipment Description: Towing hitch kits and aftermarket trailer towing wire harness converters for use on 1998-1999 Lexus LX470, and Toyota Land Cruisers. Due to inadequate waterproofing performance and improper installation location of the converter, which is mounted on the exterior of the vehicle, an electrical short circuit could occur if water enters the converter housing. The short circuit can cause a failure of the converter, and if a trailer is being towed at the time, can also cause failure of the trailer lights. Dealers will replace the converter. Owner notification began May 17, 1999. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236). Note: I like the last part, basically if a dealer tries to screw you, Toyota corporate wants to know...kinda cool. __________________ "The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails." -William Arthur Ward '96 4runner, 3.4L, 5sp, E-locker... '85 Mini, 2nd owner...add-ons: 31" MTRs, oil & dirt stains... '00 Echo, 1.5L of FURY!

12-25-04, 06:45 PM	#5
DMX84 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Sandia Park, New Mexico Posts: 858	You think if I take my recipet to the dealer they can refund my $$? If I remember right C-Dans price was over 100 bucks. The dealer never mentioned this when I was there. Dean __________________ I may be vile and pernicious But you can't look away I make you think I'm delicious With the stuff that I say I am the best you can get Have you guessed me yet? I am the slime oozin' out From your TV set" *I'm The Slime* by Frank Zappa, 1973 98 Land Cruiser 01 Beta trials bike 71 GMC Shortwide truck

12-27-04, 01:05 PM	#8
madams557 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort Collins, CO TLCA# 12065 Posts: 958	Didn't by chance ask about warranty coverage on rattling cat shields?? __________________ Michael Adams Fort Collins, CO TLCA# 12065 Horsetooth 4X4 99 UZJ100, (285 BFG AT K/Os), 95 FZJ80 38th Anniversary Edt. (Bull Bar, OME, Slee Tire Carrier), 78 FJ45 Longbed (OME, ARB Bull Bar)

12-26-04, 11:32 AM	#6
98LXand99LC IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 396	Mine hasn't worked for about 2 years!!!! Thanks for the heads-up, I'm calling Toyota tomorrow.

12-27-04, 11:43 AM	#7
98LXand99LC IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 396	Just called them this morning. They took my VIN and called me back, sho' 'nuf it's a freebie! They said I have to bring the truck in and order the part, then bring it back for the repair.

12-27-04, 01:07 PM	#9
98LXand99LC IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 396	Nope, had that taken care of on the wifey's LX when it was still under warranty. And, I did it myself on my LC with a large screwdriver.

12-29-04, 06:48 PM	#10
98LXand99LC IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 396	Well, I took it in today and they looked at it and said, "this one is fine, it doesn't have to be replaced." Reading that recall memo it sounds to me like all of them should be replaced. Any thoughts?

01-16-05, 11:15 AM	#11
e9999 You want to do what...? Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: PRK Posts: 10,191	darn it, the whole trailer wiring is screwed up on the 03 as well... but no recall? __________________ '97: 88K, 3xlock, Custom HD roo bar for sale, 285 MT/Rs on steelies, Hanna sliders, 851+1.5"/863/N73/N74E/SD24, ARB bull with M12, Kaymar with duals, Kaymar rack, Slee TC skid, 2m/440, more stuff, loose nut behind the wheel!) '03: 99K, the better half's... DD and souped up DR650

06-20-05, 08:46 PM	#12
Bad azz Cruiser IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Sin City Posts: 108	anybody know the correct installation location of the converter box?

06-21-05, 05:04 AM	#14
DMX84 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Sandia Park, New Mexico Posts: 858	The original one was on the cross member above the spare tire near the passenger side. Mine was all corroded and didn’t work. I purchased a new one for ~$200 from CDan and it gets mounted up inside the tail light on the driver’s side. It is a real nice unit, comes with all the necessary parts and it has a body seal for the wire to keep out dirt at the point the wires get inside the truck. Dean __________________ I may be vile and pernicious But you can't look away I make you think I'm delicious With the stuff that I say I am the best you can get Have you guessed me yet? I am the slime oozin' out From your TV set" *I'm The Slime* by Frank Zappa, 1973 98 Land Cruiser 01 Beta trials bike 71 GMC Shortwide truck

12-12-05, 03:23 PM	#15
NMuzj100 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Gleneagle, CO Posts: 1,849	Called the dealer and with my VIN they said no recall or TSB so there must have been a mid-model year fix? My truck was manufactured 7/1998. Update: Called Toyota Costumer service at the 1(800) 331-4331 number above and they told me that my vehicle was covered but that the repair had already been performed. Update (6/10/2008) I can't believe I've been on MUD 3 years! : My upgraded converter also went bad and was later replaced by a Hoppy unit with success. __________________ 1998 UZJ100 115K 285/75 Revos, D-light mod, DIY - Starter Contacts 1999 Toyota Camry - So Boring Last edited by NMuzj100; 06-10-08 at 11:21 PM.

12-12-05, 05:32 PM	#16
richg IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 111	I tried to get the recall done on my new to me '98. It has never had a hitch on it in its life, but the 1-800 number said that the recall was active for my VIN. So I was a bit hopeful that they'd install a new wiring harness for me free of charge. Unfortunately, since my truck didn't have any sort of hitch wiring on it at all, the recall consisted of the dealer inspecting the truck, confirming that no recalled wiring was present, then sending me on my way. I went ahead and bought the new wiring harness from the dealer (as they had ordered the parts for me in anticipation of performing the recall). rich

12-12-05, 10:42 PM	#17
SWUtah IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Some where other then Utah Posts: 1,234	Does this apply if your LC has an after market hitch? __________________ Mercedes SL550 LX470

12-13-05, 06:53 AM	#18
richg IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 111	If you have older style factory tow WIRING, they replace it. If not, they check you off the list. rich

12-15-05, 03:23 PM	#19
SWUtah IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Some where other then Utah Posts: 1,234	Mine qualifie for the recall, having it checked in a couple of weeks at the dealer, will let you guys know the outcome. __________________ Mercedes SL550 LX470

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