Installing the Honda Hitch and Harness

[doug104]

I got a few chuckles from your experience with the installation Tom, because I went through alot of the same today when I installed my Honda hitch. But saving 3-4 hundred bucks for the install was worth it. I even a little bigger than you and I had to fold myself up like a pretzel to fit under the dash, and then I was so close to the action that I was having a hard time focusing, but finally found my high-powered reading glasses for that. I realized I wasn't going to be able to plug in the connectors or bolt the bracket in place with my XL hands, much less get tools in there. I ended up taking out the 4 bolts for the driver seat and that allows the seat to go back about 10" without disconnecting the seat wiring and that made a huge difference in access and comfort. I also had to remove that black plastic air duct in order to get my hands in there, after that it was a snap.
As my Oriental physician once told me before performing a prostate exam, "there are times that you will prefer a man with small fingers"

[Dustt1]

Tom,
Terrific post! Precautions well noted. Thanx to the Little Lady for her contributions, too!! Don't think Pearl Dust's #1 driver would pitch in like that!!
I'll print your post and note it to my hitch installer.
What do I owe ya?? Wish ya lived next door! Drop by next time you're in Wine Country. Merlot is on me!
Dustt1

[Sparkland]

Question, I found the connector for the wiring harness on the left side of the truck above the frame. I took the visible green tape off the cable but it will not come down any lower.

It appears to be held by a bracket affair. Is it supposed to release and hang down below the frame. Is there some play in that cable. If I keep it where it is above the frame, I do not think it will reach. Seemingly coiled up a bit but I cannot get it to come loose.

Thanks for the help.

Brad

[Lingered_I]

I think there are two lots of green tape - one that you can't really see. I remember that I really struggled with it, but through brute force and ignorance was eventually able to release the harness.

[Sparkland]

Thanks so much for the quick response. I guess its time to get my son to find out where that second section of green tape is.

Brad

[Sparkland]

Just got the hitch and wiring harness installed tonight. My 14 year old son came in real handy. He was able to reach the connector under the dash without taking any of the dash or trim pieces off. He had no trouble attaching the bracket or adding the fuse on top.

Just wondering what is the best method of removing those pesky plastic clips securing the covers under the dash. I do not want to break them off. Any suggestions. Sorry, I did a search and do not have a repair manual.

Can't believe the warnings Honda puts on all these instructions. I will continue to be cautious though when installing my roof rack - I don't want any dents in the roof.

Brad

[wjr1004]

I want to thank all that gave me tips on installing my Honda Hitch and Harness it went great. Everything was as directions said although as others had said the dash panels did not need to be removed. Finding the conectors under dash and in rear bumber was a little challenge butthey were there and got to them. Lifting the hitch is a two person job. But works great thanks again to all that helped.