1997 Explorer Question - Help Please - Ford Forums

newhere · 08-12-2004, 09:36

I'm new around here and have a quick question about a 1997 Explorer. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I am borrowing my buddies explorer to pull a boat later this month. The only problem is there is no electrical connector for brake lights etc. I was told that an option on these trucks was a tow package with everything pretty much pre-wired. Now, my buddy knows absolutely nothing about his truck, so I have no idea if his truck has this tow package.

Is there any easy way of spotting this package?? If so, where do I look?? I would like to figure out what I need to buy and how much work this installation will be.

Thanks in advance, Phil

MercMark · 08-16-2004, 08:38

Not sure about a 97 but my 2001 Mountaineer was just a matter of a connector under the bottom of the tail lights. There is a red (i believe) plug, round with about a half inch knob in the center. pull this out and plug in a ford trailer wire plug (it was cheap from what I remember). I'm not sure what a explorer without a factory tow package would look like though, but worth a look I guess. If all else fails go to a ford dealer and ask I would hope they wouldn't charge you just to check.

FANGA · 08-17-2004, 04:40

hey man,howzitgarn, iv got an 98 explorer xld sport with the barwork an from wat i can see the cabes for your trailer lights should run out of the electronic control boxes behind the removalbe panel in the rear cargo area.. (where jack is kept)if hey r not there already it should just be matter of gittn them wired in,, hope i waz sum help 2 ya,,good luck