The 2023 Telluride Towing Saga - Adding some data and pictures, and it's not great news

[tyger23]

So, now my thoughts...

ASSUMING that we are using readily available aftermarket style harness systems (and not some Kia official harness that's not currently available):

1. The standard turn signals are the biggest and most basic issue here. They seem to route directly from the central computer/fuse/junction box under the driver's side dashboard straight to the turn signals with no junction connectors between them. They are only readily available at "F12" and "F13", which are the connectors to the actual tail lamps themselves.

2. All of these wires should be available in the bundle that's in the left side rear wheel well, but they're going to be bundled together and not easy to determine or separate or get to.

3. There's a connector called "F11", which seems to house several of the necessary signals, but be forewarned that it's supposedly located in the ceiling of the rear cargo area. This isn't where I would focus my time, but I highlight it as an option for many of the signals.

So, what would I plan to do? (PLEASE NOTE - IF YOU DO THIS, YOU DO IT AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!! I TAKE NO RESPONSIBLITY FOR WHAT YOU CHOOSE TO DO TO YOUR OWN CAR. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH AND MAKE YOUR OWN DECISIONS.)

1. I would probably obtain any of the trailer wiring harnesses for the 2022 telluride, cut off the vehicle side mating connector, and splice in the wires as necessary to the 2023. It seems clear to me that no matter what, you'll need to use some type of "MODULITE" converter to separate the trailer wiring from the vehicle wiring to prevent the vehicle wiring from being overloaded.
   
   
2. I would obtain the "STOP LAMP" signal from F45, pin 6. F45 is the white "trailer connector" found inside the jack well. PLEASE NOTE: I have seen some discrepancy on this signal inside the schematics/connector pinouts, so test this out before using. Also - note that the STOP lamp may not be necessary as the 2023 telluride seems to use a "2-wire" type system where the stop lamps and turn signals are integrated.
   
   
3. I would obtain the "TAIL LAMP" signal from F12 or F13, pin 1. F12 is the connector for the left hand tail-light, and F13 is the connector for the Right-hand tail light.
   
   
4. I would obtain the "LEFT TURN" signal from F12, pin 3.
   
   
5. I would obtain the "RIGHT TURN" signal from F13, pin 3.
   
   
6. I would obtain the "BACKUP" signal from FR31, pins 19 or 20. FR31 is the connector located under the car in the same location as the old trailer connector from 2022. This is the connector that I pictured in my very first post on this thread.
   
   
7. I would power the "MODULITE" type controller using the power obtained from F45, pin 1.
   
   
8. Any other signals for the 7-way connector (AKA for trailer brake controllers) should be readily available at F45. Wire them at your own discretion.

I'll post more connector pinouts in a second...

 

[tyger23]

Here's the pinout and location for the connectors I mention above. Always remember that the mating side pinout is mirrored from the pinout that you might see below.

F45 - the trailer connector (it's located in the jack well):


F12 - the left hand tail light connector:


F13 - the right hand tail light connector:


F12/F13 Location:


FR31 pinout:


FR31 Location - its under the car where the 2022's trailer harness was located:


Actual photo of FR31:

 

[confused.owner]

Here's the pinout and location for the connectors I mention above. Always remember that the mating side pinout is mirrored from the pinout that you might see below.

F45 - the trailer connector (it's located in the jack well):
View attachment 28625

F12 - the left hand tail light connector:
View attachment 28626

F13 - the right hand tail light connector:
View attachment 28627

F12/F13 Location:
View attachment 28628

FR31 pinout:
View attachment 28629

FR31 Location - its under the car where the 2022's trailer harness was located:
View attachment 28630

Actual photo of FR31:
View attachment 28631

Wow..this looks like far too much trouble. I called the parts guy at the dealer I purchased my Telluride at and ordered the adapter. He said OK as if the part should magically appear at the dealership within a week. I find this hard to believe...but OK, I'll bite. I told him that when it comes in to call me, send me a picture AND send me the installation instructions their mechanic / wire guy will use to install. I sure don't want to waste my afternoon driving to the dealership only to have them realize that it doesn't fit. I'm pretty sure I set the dealer up for failure, but I need answers and I don't know how to get answers from KIA corporate. This towing thing is becoming more of a necessity / emergency as I NEED to get my camper trailer across the country...soon!

 

[2020Telly]

Wow..this looks like far too much trouble. I called the parts guy at the dealer I purchased my Telluride at and ordered the adapter. He said OK as if the part should magically appear at the dealership within a week. I find this hard to believe...but OK, I'll bite. I told him that when it comes in to call me, send me a picture AND send me the installation instructions their mechanic / wire guy will use to install. I sure don't want to waste my afternoon driving to the dealership only to have them realize that it doesn't fit. I'm pretty sure I set the dealer up for failure, but I need answers and I don't know how to get answers from KIA corporate. This towing thing is becoming more of a necessity / emergency as I NEED to get my camper trailer across the country...soon!

I just spent a few minutes reading on a Palisade forum for the 2023 7-pin harness and found this part number: S8F67AC800 - Hyundai Tow hitch. Motor, group | Hyundai Parts Pro

Not sure if that helps you. Maybe that parts department Ontario can send you a picture if they have it in stock.

______________________________

 

[surferd15]

New member here joined for this very issue. I came from a Palisade so they are having the same issue. However there is a canbus wiring harness available from Canada Hyundai. This is the part number. If you try and order it it is $165 plus $85 shipping.. S8F67AC800

The harness on the Pali is located in the trunk passenger side under the cargo area.

 

[tyger23]

New member here joined for this very issue. I came from a Palisade so they are having the same issue. However there is a canbus wiring harness available from Canada Hyundai. This is the part number. If you try and order it it is $165 plus $85 shipping.. S8F67AC800

The harness on the Pali is located in the trunk passenger side under the cargo area.

This looks to be FANTASTIC news. The posted instructions in this post look to match the right connector in the Telly.

2023 trailer hitch

I sent eTrailer.com a message asking when they might have the hitch that fits in behind the bumper on a 2023 Palisade. This was their response: We are still waiting on the hitch and wiring fits for the 23’ Palisade to be released. Hopefully will get them before October but I do not know for...

www.palisadeforum.com

 

[tyger23]

I just spent a few minutes reading on a Palisade forum for the 2023 7-pin harness and found this part number: S8F67AC800 - Hyundai Tow hitch. Motor, group | Hyundai Parts Pro

Not sure if that helps you. Maybe that parts department Ontario can send you a picture if they have it in stock.

I've ordered one from these guys. I'll let you know what happens when it comes in. FWIW - the ~$250 CAD is about ~$188 USD in the current exchange rate.

 

[Point37]

wow this is quite the sh!tshow...good job everyone that is pitching in and trying to make this work for all the '23 owners

______________________________

 

[2003Corolla]

I just spoke with our sales guy (at a low volume, 36 Tellurides delivered last year, dealer) about the status of our 2023 order (we originally ordered a 2022 in February). He told me our 2023 order hasn't been placed because they can't order the option for self-levelling with hitch and harness. So, the order has sat on their desk for a month+ and they would have let it sit forever (until the hitch/harness was available), the way it sounds. Grrrrrr!!!

Can the vehicle be ordered with self-levelling/tow option without the hitch/harness (I assume this is not a problem, since y'all are having this discussion)?

If so, is there are reason why the hitch/harness can't be ordered later, once it's available, and added later to the vehicle with the levelling/tow option?

Does anyone else have this problem ordering a vehicle?

What's the best way to proceed (so we actually get a vehicle)?

 

[confused.owner]

I just spoke with our sales guy (at a low volume, 36 Tellurides delivered last year, dealer) about the status of our 2023 order (we originally ordered a 2022 in February). He told me our 2023 order hasn't been placed because they can't order the option for self-levelling with hitch and harness. So, the order has sat on their desk for a month+ and they would have let it sit forever (until the hitch/harness was available), the way it sounds. Grrrrrr!!!

Can the vehicle be ordered with self-levelling/tow option without the hitch/harness (I assume this is not a problem, since y'all are having this discussion)?

If so, is there are reason why the hitch/harness can't be ordered later, once it's available, and added later to the vehicle with the levelling/tow option?

Does anyone else have this problem ordering a vehicle?

What's the best way to proceed (so we actually get a vehicle)?

 

[confused.owner]

I didn't even know they came with a hitch / harness. If they did, I would think that would be a very specific / special order not worth waiting on. I don't recall ever going to a new car lot and seeing a hitch on any of the new vehicles of any brand. Maybe they do, but I've never noticed. That being said, I think you just need the x-line or x-pro that come with the leveling package. I specifically found an x-line because I needed the towing and as a bonus they have better entry and exit lines for back roads. Right now, I'd be pretty angry with the salesman if I were you. They should know better and should have been able to address your inquiries. What part of the country are you from that makes it so difficult to find one of these vehicles? A couple weeks ago I found mine semi-local (40 miles) and they had a few for me to choose from. Maybe since you've been waiting so long to actually get your order in, perhaps you can expand your search parameters and make a day trip to go pick an x-line or x-pro up. I think since dealers don't take any up front money to put in an order, it makes it easy for someone to back out, which is great for someone needing a vehicle in a pinch. Hope you find one...and soon!

 

[2003Corolla]

Yes, I was not happy with what he told me.

We're in central PA, an hour north of Harrisburg. No large dealers until you get to Philly or Pittsburgh? We aren't in a rush. We have a 2013 Outback with 218k miles that still runs well. We just want a reliable replacement before the Outback fails. We put $500 down for a vehicle in February.

The hitch and harness can't be purchased yet, that's what he says was holding up my order. We thought we had a SX-Xline 'ordered'.

He checked with his manager and called me back. He says we are 3rd on their list for a Telluride.

He says how it works is when it's their turn, Kia will request an order for a Telluride from their dealership and they will provide order info for the next customer/vehicle in line. So our vehicle won't be ordered from Kia until we're 1st in line.

Do I believe him. Not so much... Not until they tell me the vehicle's on it's way.

______________________________

 

[tyger23]

I just spoke with our sales guy (at a low volume, 36 Tellurides delivered last year, dealer) about the status of our 2023 order (we originally ordered a 2022 in February). He told me our 2023 order hasn't been placed because they can't order the option for self-levelling with hitch and harness. So, the order has sat on their desk for a month+ and they would have let it sit forever (until the hitch/harness was available), the way it sounds. Grrrrrr!!!

Can the vehicle be ordered with self-levelling/tow option without the hitch/harness (I assume this is not a problem, since y'all are having this discussion)?

If so, is there are reason why the hitch/harness can't be ordered later, once it's available, and added later to the vehicle with the levelling/tow option?

Does anyone else have this problem ordering a vehicle?

What's the best way to proceed (so we actually get a vehicle)?

From what I understand -

Any Telluride can currently be purchased and you can add a towing hitch and harness to it (whenever the harness becomes available). That being said there are some differences.

1. Self Leveling Rear Suspension - This is an option that can be added (and I highly recommend it) to the EX and above trim levels. I don't think this option is available on the LX or S.

2. The X-Pro and X-Line packages include Self Leveling Suspension and also add a "Tow Mode" button on the dash, which supposedly configures the transmission/engine into a mode more suitable for towing. This mode is not available without these packages. Obviously, I've not been able to use this feature on my 2023 yet, but I can say that the 2022 did not have this mode and I didn't have any issues towing without it. I usually just left the transmission in SMART mode.

3. The X-Pro supposedly adds some form of transmission/oil cooler and ups the maximum towing capacity up to 5500lbs, but it's only available in this specific package.

As ConfusedOwner states - I would recommend that you go find a Telly with the X-Line or X-Pro options. But - if that's not in the cards, then just make sure you at least get the Self-Leveling rear suspension added.

I would also highly recommend AWD, but that's your choice.

 

[2003Corolla]

If my sales guy is correct, with his updated information, we should have one in the next month or two, which is fine with me. We ordered an SX, X-Line, AWD. We will be paying MSRP (without thousands in markup).

The ordering system seems messed up, but what do I know.

 

[confused.owner]

Yes, I was not happy with what he told me.

We're in central PA, an hour north of Harrisburg. No large dealers until you get to Philly or Pittsburgh? We aren't in a rush. We have a 2013 Outback with 218k miles that still runs well. We just want a reliable replacement before the Outback fails. We put $500 down for a vehicle in February.

The hitch and harness can't be purchased yet, that's what he says was holding up my order. We thought we had a SX-Xline 'ordered'.

He checked with his manager and called me back. He says we are 3rd on their list for a Telluride.

He says how it works is when it's their turn, Kia will request an order for a Telluride from their dealership and they will provide order info for the next customer/vehicle in line. So our vehicle won't be ordered from Kia until we're 1st in line.

Do I believe him. Not so much... Not until they tell me the vehicle's on it's way.

Good deal. This morning I told my dealer about this entire fiasco and told them they need to fix it. My big reason for purchasing this vehicle was because A) I really like it and B) I really needed it for towing. They knew this from the beginning that towing was a priority. Now, after searching high and low for a solution, they told me to bring it into the dealership tomorrow morning and they will make it 100% right at zero cost to me. It will also be 100% backed by KIA warranty. This brings peace to me...finally. KIA should be ashamed of themselves for sending these things out the door without a solution. Who knows how long they will have my vehicle. They said just for the afternoon, but I have my doubts. Either way, in the end, who cares as long as it is done right and backed by KIA. It is on their dime and they are giving me a loaner until the job is done. I will definitely document my experience with pics of their handy work on this forum to help others. It sounds like this won't be a standard DIY install though...we shall see.

 

[LarryJordan]

Awesome! It’s nice to see this, and that it matches the F45 picture I posted above.

I can also confirm this connector exists in my X-Pro, and it’s in the same location as the jack, covered up by black felt tape. This connector does not go thru the grommet in the wheel well as I previously thought.

My trailer wiring installer took the trim off behind the driver-side tail light and all other trim in the cargo area. He says the only plug he can find is the white one in the jack compartment.

______________________________

 

[tyger23]

My trailer wiring installer took the trim off behind the driver-side tailight and all other trim in the cargo area. He says the only plug he can find is the white one in the jack compartment. He is asking Kia to confirm this as the trailer harness connection point or tell him where it is located. He says he has a generic cam connector that will fit the plug in the jack compartment.

Larry - All of the schematics and pinouts that I've posted are straight from the Kia Global Information System. Maybe have your installer purchase access like I did:

https: // kiatechinfo.snapon.com /

 

[confused.owner]

I have an update. My Telluride is going on day 3 with the dealer and they still have no clue how to install a 7-pin tow (with brake controller) harness for this vehicle AND keeping it under warranty. I talked to the outsourced tech and he seemed very knowledgeable (30 yrs experience) and concerned about this. He was truly concerned about doing something that will void my KIA warranty. Basically, this is a very "doable" job, but also very risky in regards to warranty. If the tech and KIA cannot get this sorted out today, I am just going to start the return process OR trade in for an extremely discounted 2022 KIA Telluride. I don't know if the trade-in is much of an option for me considering the X-Line / X-Pro are not available in previous models...to my knowledge. What an awful experience this entire process has been. Shame on KIA. Right now, I'm dead in the water with no way to transport my camper trailer.

 

[Point37]

right on their website...but no tow package available...what a joke!

 

[mcl821]

Not looking forward to this. Taking delivery end of this month on my 23 EX, no tow package on it. My 22 didn’t make the cut off date, and they had a tow package. So now I’ll be at the mercy of the dealer service techs. I’ve wired my own stuff before, but this Can-Bus stuff isn’t really up my alley, especially on a $45k brand new car. Perhaps more info will be out in the interim!