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Vehicle battery connection required
Warranty: One-Year Limited Warranty
Electrical System Type: 3W
Output Type: 4-Way Flat
Tail Light Circuits: 6.0 Amps
Turn and Brake Circuits: 3.0 Amps
Installation Difficulty: Professional
Installation Time Exact (Minutes): 45
If your vehicle is not equipped with wiring for towing a trailer, CURT custom wiring is the ideal solution. A custom wiring harness -- also called a T-connector -- is a simple, plug-and-play electrical device that plugs into your automotive electric system and provides a standard, universal trailer wiring connection. This is done using two or more vehicle-specific, OEM-compatible connectors to plug into the taillight assembly, eliminating the need for cutting, splicing and soldering during installation. Custom wiring harnesses are made vehicle-specific, and while they are not available for all vehicles, they do offer one of the fastest, easiest and most secure ways to wire a vehicle for towing. This particular plug-in harness provides a 4-way flat connector socket and is designed to be a custom wiring harness to fit certain years of the Kia Sportage (to verify your vehicle compatibility, see application info). It comes with all necessary wiring components to establish a reliable trailer wiring connection, as well as a dust cover to keep the connector clean when not in use. You have a picture in mind of your next destination -- maybe it's the boat landing at your favorite fishing spot, maybe it's a campsite that overlooks one of nature's masterpieces, or maybe it's the next big jobsite. However, turning that picture into a reality takes more than just daydreaming. It takes a solid connection and the right amount of power. CURT custom wiring is made with some of the most sophisticated technology in the industry and is designed to install with ease, giving you a long-lasting electrical connection for your towing hitch setup.

CURT offers a variety of high-quality trailer hitches and accessories for select vehicle models. Find the perfect fit for your towing needs at TowUniverse.
CURT, a Lippert brand, offers a complete line of towing products and is the leading manufacturer of custom-fit trailer hitches. We offer the broadest selection of custom-fit hitches, and each one is designed, welded, and coated in Wisconsin.
CURT is also a leader in flat towing products, as well as 5th wheel, gooseneck, and weight distribution hitches, ball mounts, electrical components, cargo solutions, and other towing accessories.
For everything from passenger cars and vans to full-size pickups and SUVs, CURT is 'The First Name in Towing Products®.'
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-94941 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 - 2016 | Kia Sportage | Installation Time: 30-60 minutes |
The CURT 56251 Vehicle-Side Custom 4-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness, Fits Select Kia Sportage (Part #BKDK56251) fits the following vehicles: 2011-2016 Kia Sportage. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
Yes, the CURT 56251 Vehicle-Side Custom 4-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness, Fits Select Kia Sportage (Part #BKDK56251) is designed to fit the 2011-2016 Kia Sportage.
The CURT 56251 Vehicle-Side Custom 4-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness, Fits Select Kia Sportage (Part #BKDK56251) fits 2011-2016 Kia Sportage models. The 2016 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The CURT 56251 Vehicle-Side Custom 4-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness, Fits Select Kia Sportage (Part #BKDK56251) Typical installation time is 30-60 minutes. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, CURT part 56251 is designed for Kia Sportage SUVs. The manual confirms this is the correct application for this vehicle model.
The CURT 56251 has a maximum rating of 3.0 amps per side for signal circuits and 6.0 amps total for tail and running circuits. Do not exceed these ratings or the tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower, as exceeding the product rating can cause loss of warranty, overheating and potential fire.
You will need: 10mm socket, ratchet, panel trim removal tool, Phillips screwdriver, 1/4" socket, crimping tool, cutting tool or utility knife, wire stripper, and electrical tape. The manual also indicates cable ties and sealant are used during installation.
Yes. Step 1 requires you to locate the vehicle battery on the driver side under the hood and disconnect the negative battery terminal before beginning any other work.
The battery connection must be fuse-protected with a maximum of 10 amps. Exceeding this rating can cause loss of warranty, overheating and potential fire.
The wiring harness has multiple connection points: (1) a yellow-wire connector that inserts into the vehicle's main wiring harness connector behind the driver side taillight (Steps 9 and 12), (2) a brown-wire connector that inserts between the separated connectors of the taillight housing (Step 14), and (3) a white ground wire that connects to a suitable grounding point near the connector using a ring terminal and provided screw (Step 15).
Drilling may be required for the ground wire connection. Step 15 instructs you to locate a suitable grounding point such as an existing screw with nut in the vehicle's frame, or drill a 3/32" pilot hole for the provided screw if no existing point is available. The area must be free of rust, dirt and paint. Always check for hidden items before drilling to avoid damage and personal injury.
Drill a 3/32" pilot hole for the provided ground screw. The grounding point should be located near the connector on a suitable area of the vehicle's frame that is free of rust, dirt and paint.
The installation involves multiple routing steps: (1) Remove the grommet from the vehicle wiring harness floor location (Step 8). (2) Route the unconnected end of the yellow and green wiring harness, the red and brown wiring harness, and the black power wire through the removed grommet (Step 10). (3) Fasten these wires to the grommet using electrical tape and cable ties, then seat the grommet back into the hole and seal it with provided sealant (Step 11). (4) Use stiff wire to route the brown-wire harness up to the driver side taillight (Step 13). (5) Route the black power wire from the vehicle battery as shown on the included CME-PCL-INS sheet (Step 17). (6) When in use, route the 4-flat connector from behind the side trim panel to the center of the vehicle and out of the cargo area; when not in use, roll up and store inside the cargo area (Step 18).
Follow this sequence: (1) Open the tailgate and remove all trunk floor coverings and storage trays (Step 2). (2) Remove fasteners securing the rear scuff panel, then pull out on the bottom and up to remove it, taking care not to damage alignment tabs (Step 3). (3) Remove three Phillips screws from the side trim panel (Step 4). (4) Remove two Phillips screws securing the taillight housing and gently pull it rearward and out (Step 5). (5) Remove two push fasteners underneath the vehicle on the driver side behind the tire, then remove the dust cover panel (Step 6). (6) Remove the fastener holding the vehicle connectors in place (Step 7).
After removing the taillight housing (Step 5), locate the connection for the taillight's wiring harness behind the housing. Separate the connectors from the taillight housing, taking care not to damage the locking tabs. In Step 7, you may remove the fastener holding the vehicle connectors in place for more work space, then separate the connectors again, being careful not to damage the locking tabs.
Locate a flat spot inside the vehicle near the taillight and adhere the black converter box using the provided double-sided tape (Step 16).
All steps must be followed to ensure the wiring harness functions properly. Once installed, test for proper function by using a test light or connecting a properly wired trailer. After testing, reconnect the negative battery terminal (Step 19).
When not in use, roll up the 4-flat connector and store it in a convenient, out-of-the-way location inside the cargo area. Secure any loose wires with the provided cable ties (Step 18).
Step 19 requires you to reinstall all items removed during installation and reconnect the negative battery terminal. This includes the taillight housing, side trim panel, rear scuff panel, dust cover panel, and trunk floor coverings and storage trays.
Yes, CURT 56251 is designed for Kia Sportage SUVs.
You need: 10mm socket, ratchet, panel trim removal tool, Phillips screwdriver, 1/4" socket, crimping tool, cutting tool/utility knife, wire stripper, and electrical tape.
Yes, disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting installation (Step 1).
The battery connection must be fuse-protected with a maximum of 10 amps. Do not exceed the product rating (3.0 amps per side for signals, 6.0 amps total for tail/running) or tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower.
Drilling may be required for the ground wire connection. If no existing screw with nut is available on the vehicle frame, drill a 3/32" pilot hole for the provided ground screw (Step 15).
Test for proper function using a test light or by connecting a properly wired trailer. All installation steps must be completed before testing.
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