How to cut wires On a 2002 Toyota Solara for a trailer?

Answer 1

You shouldn't have to cut wires at all. Just strip back a small amount of insulation on the appropriate wires then wrap and solder pigtail wires to them. Cover the exposed wiring with good quality electrical tape.

Easiest access to wiring is probably at your tail light. Identify wires with a 12 volt test light or voltmeter. Whether you tie in to separate brake, tail and turn wires depends on how the trailer is set up. If it has a separate turn signal then there's no need for a converter. If you just have a 'one light does all' setup (common in trailers) then you'll want to add a trailer light converter. It ties in to the individual brake/run/turn wires on the car then converts the signals so the single trailer light (on each side) knows when to be on for run, bright for brake or blinking for turns.

Keep in mind there is a very specific trailer wiring color code (search online for "trailer wiring" or something similar. Wired correctly at the trailer and car/truck ends the trailer will plug into any vehicle and any vehicle can pull any trailer without worrying about wiring mixups. The worst that could happen is you might need an adapter (available at any trailer supply store and some auto supply stores) to match different style plugs.

BTW, I think you'll find something in the owner's manual indicating trailer towing isn't recommended with the Solara (and most other cars for that matter). If you 'must' tow with it, pay attention to the gross vehicle weight limits (also in your manual) and add the loaded weight of the trailer into the mix. I.E. the trailer weight could replace the weight of three passengers. Too much weight will put stress on the drivetrain that could get expensive.

Cheers