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03 grand am/trailer wiring


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barney71
02-29-2008, 11:58 AM
I have an 03 Grand am,have got trailer hitch on,but having trouble wiring for trailer lights.Any help or wiring diagram would be great.Thanks.

xeroinfinity
02-29-2008, 06:21 PM
Welcome to AF.

You'll hav to wire into the tail light, looking in the trunk you cna see the color and which wires are what.

I will Say this though, YOUR GRNAD AM IS NOT MADE TO TOW ANYTHING !

barney71
02-29-2008, 07:36 PM
I gather that I would have to look into the trunk,but the info I eas looking for was the haness it's self.I now know that I need a harness that has 5 wires into a 4 pronged plug.And I don't think that I'll have any problem towing a utility trailer with my grand am.

skibum1111
02-29-2008, 07:43 PM
It's not a problem of whether or not the car can pull the trailer, its about brakes and suspension. I bought a truck specifically for this reason. I need to tow something, I use the truck. N-body cars were not designed for trailer pulling.

J-Ri
03-03-2008, 06:38 PM
Anything will pull a trailer... although I do agree todays cars are not designed to do so. I pulled 2,000 Lbs with my 2.2L Beretta for about 900 miles at 75 MPH. It did fine. I have pulled trailers with it several times and never any troubles. I have a truck too, but why get 8 MPG when you can get 20 if you're only pulling a ton?

One thing to point out though, the transaxle is the weak point. I have a manual transmission in my Beretta. I would NOT pull ANYTHING with an automatic (the ones in FWD cars). You WILL run it hotter than it should be (heat damages seals and the transmission fluid, and the tiny in-radiator cooler isn't enough for some regular drivers). Enough heat even damages clutches and bands. You also risk sliping the clutches when they apply because they are not made to have that much force on them. And like skibum pointed out, the brakes and suspension are not designed for a trailer either. My Beretta has bigger springs than my G/A does, and wasn't a problem for me, although it did sit low. But braking wasn't even half what it usually is, and I think the Beretta has larger rotors and drums too.

xeroinfinity
03-03-2008, 07:17 PM
Here is a diagram, says for 99 - 01 but the wiring wasnt changed.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=758919

ps this model grand am has a total tow wieght of 800 lbs should be writen on the drivers door tag.

Larry Derouin
03-03-2008, 08:36 PM
ps this model grand am has a total tow wieght of 800 lbs should be writen on the drivers door tag.

And that 800lbs INCLUDES the weight of the DRIVER, PASSENGERS, and ANYTHING else being carried in the car.

I wouldn't tow my wifes Radio flyer wagon with her Grand Am.

Larry

SirWrecksAlot
03-03-2008, 10:19 PM
The tow weight does not include passengers or car loaded cargo. Although it should be considered if the car is loaded down.
I have an '04 Sedan w/V6 I have often used to haul my motorcycle and 3-rail trailer and got 30MPG doing it. Granted, my m/c is a 400lb. dual sport and the trailer is lightweight. I agree with most others here. I take the Yukon most times. If it's just the wife and me and want to take the bike, I take the car for the good mpg.
Didn't check the link, but '01 should be the same. I had to add a 'taillight converter'(Autozone) to make mine work properly. Cured my missing brake/turn prob on the left. No probs since.
My $.02
Adam

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