I asked my mechanic the other day install a trailer hitch wiring harness (the Curt 56338), but he claimed he could not find the electrical socket that's supposed to be behind the right tail light on a 2022 CX-9. I didn't get a chance to see in there myself yet, but by all accounts I have read, the socket is standard on all models (mine's a Canadian model, if that matters). I'm wondering if anybody has had similar encounters or if there was some add-on that apparently didn't get installed on my vehicle and what my next steps should be (which hopefully does not involve a trip to the dealer).

 

Strange ….first not finding one it was varified that your model had one and the interesting info that a “mechanic “ can’t wire a simple trailer light connector.The universal kits are still are simple to do.

 

Welcome to the forum

 

I just look and as you did not fill out your profile very complete I did see you live in CA. If that is California and not Canada then in Ca. There are dozens of RV dealerships that can install trailer connectors on and vehicle even a Tesla.

No need to go to Mazda dealership.

But you can directly call your Mazda dealership and give them your VIN and they can tell you if you have the towing package on you Mazda.

 

Do all models have them, though? He claimed he could not find the socket in the place it was supposed to be. I haven't peeled everything back yet to look myself, but is it a guarantee that all models have the electrical socket in place?

What would that mean, specifically? As the OEM hitch and wiring harness were never installed, would that mean they'd say no? I would figure it would be awfully expensive to modify the electrical just to get a wiring harness socket put in there, so that's why I would expect it would be standard in all builds. At this point, I have a hitch installed. Honestly, I'll probably never tow more than a hitch basket on it, but since I bought the wiring harness, I'll plug it in if there's a place to plug it.

 

I answered the question in post 2 .

But you are asking for answer that would suggest that all Mazdas come equipped with a trailer lighting connector and they don’t. And I am not sure thier is a list. That would be in model features info when you purchased your Mazda.

but it’s generally only a 100 excluding universal trailer connector to install on almost any vehicle with few exceptions.
You don’t need a Mazda dealer service shop for that. And I fact unless Mazda has a OEM kit you would be better off as I recommended to seek a RV salads and service center/shop.

 

If I understand you correctly, you are saying that, in the absence of a lighting connector, you can splice into the tail light. If yes, I'm rather leery of cutting into the electrical back there, even if someone who knows that they're doing is doing the cutting.

 

Well then don’t. I would guess that either I personally did or assigned someone the task of that most common installation on…auh let me think …….
ya hundreds of vehicles and not one ever had any problem. Many platform dealership as well offer universal trailer connector kits and service installation from aftermarket hitch and trailer component manufacturers. Thats why I said it’s about a hundred bucks . It’s a no brainer installation
with common tools a digital volt ohm meter and common sence . And if you are lucky a person that take pride in there work and makes it a clean and secure installation. Some don’t even need to “splice” but use the cleaner snap in connector tees .
So in a nutshell you are being over paranoid…