Installed this taillight trailer light converter on my 2012 Prius v

Discussion in 'Prius v Accessories and Modifications' started by Georgina Rudkus, Sep 29, 2020.

  1. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2018
    3,419
    2,389
    0
    Location:
    Taylors, SC
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    I wasn't happy after checking all those etrailer videos with the direct plug-in kits.

    2012 Toyota Prius v Trailer Wiring | etrailer.com

    They cost twice as much or more that a standard powered converter. And four extra bulky plugs and all of the extra "rats nest" wire turned me off.

    So, I purchased this one from Amazon that works perfectly.



    There was not enough room around the mini LED brake-running light connectors to used the supplied insulation displacement connectors. So, I used the newer 3M developed "flag" type insulation displacement connectors that accept 1/4 inch spade connectors crimped on securely to the wire ends.

    I installed the brake, running and left turn signal wires to the left tail light and the right turn signal to the right tail light.

    driver side connections.JPG passenger side right turn connection.JPG 3M flag-spade connectors.JPG
     
    #1 Georgina Rudkus, Sep 29, 2020
  2. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 2, 2012
    4,172
    1,169
    0
    Location:
    New Yawk
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    I have used 20-22-24 gauge Posi-Tap IDC connectors with similar good results.

    Not my video, but informative:

     
    #2 Air_Boss, Sep 30, 2020
  3. Guy Lyons

    Guy Lyons New Member

    Joined:
    Yesterday
    2
    0
    0
    Location:
    Central Arkansas
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    SE
    Georgina, I bought a trailer light controller box for a dollar and am trying to install it on our 2012 Prius V. I've tried to use a voltmeter to figure out what wires in the tail lights correspond to the blinkers, running lights, brake lights, etc, but it's showing confusing results. I've tried online to find a wiring color code for the wires in the car but everything is a different year. Yours is the only post anywhere I can find with the same colored wires going into the lens assembly. Where did you find, or could you share the color code for the tail light assemblies?
    My left/driver's side plug has a red, blue, white/black, yellow, and green wire. The right side has red, blue, white/black, light blue, and green. Could you please share or direct me to some info that would help me? Thank you!
     
    #3 Guy Lyons, Oct 20, 2025 at 8:02 PM
  4. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2018
    3,419
    2,389
    0
    Location:
    Taylors, SC
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    The light blue on each side is the turn signal wire for that side.

    The yellow wire on the left side is for the tail marker lights.

    The green wire on the left side is for the brake light.

    This us how I remember it.

    You might want to verify them with a test light.
     
    #4 Georgina Rudkus, Oct 20, 2025 at 8:58 PM
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2025 at 11:03 PM
  5. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2018
    3,419
    2,389
    0
    Location:
    Taylors, SC
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    There is not enough room for those.

    The ones that I used are the ones that you need,

    The connectors are removable, so you can exchange the connections, if you get it wrong.

    You can also test each connection to verify them before connecting the trailer adapter wires.
     
    #5 Georgina Rudkus, Oct 20, 2025 at 9:08 PM
    Guy Lyons likes this.
  6. Guy Lyons

    Guy Lyons New Member

    Joined:
    Yesterday
    2
    0
    0
    Location:
    Central Arkansas
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    SE
    Thank you Georgina! I tried testing with the voltmeter but multiple terminals would show voltage when only the running/tail lights were on. I didn't want to start trying to make connections until I could find the color code.
    How did you know what the colors were, by testing or from a chart/manual?

    Sorry for so many questions... As it appears, you didn't connect to the red or white/w/black on either side then correct? Only the green, dark-blue, yellow on one side, then only the light blue on the other. Is that correct?
     
    #6 Guy Lyons, Oct 20, 2025 at 9:18 PM
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2025 at 9:25 PM
  7. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 2, 2012
    4,172
    1,169
    0
    Location:
    New Yawk
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    To each his or her own; I used them on my 2012 Prius v to power lower LED reflector tail/brake lamps.
     
    #7 Air_Boss, Oct 20, 2025 at 9:38 PM
  8. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2018
    3,419
    2,389
    0
    Location:
    Taylors, SC
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    I prefer "no cutting " of the wires.

    Where are your photos?

    I posted mine.
     
    #8 Georgina Rudkus, Oct 20, 2025 at 9:43 PM
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)