2010 hitch install computer flash question

97_JGC · **Joined:** Tue Feb 03, 2015 4:43 am **Posts:** 17

I will be installing a hitch and wiring on my 2010. Even after calling the dealership about the computer flash I am still a little confused. He said that the flash may need to be done because of the lights but what I am reading on the forums the flash is to add sway control? Any insight on this would be appreciated. I will be towing a 5x8 utility trailer w/o brakes so I don't know how concerned I need to be about sway control.

GordnadoCRD · **Posted:** Tue Sep 25, 2018 10:15 am

I've towed such a trailer for around 800 such miles on freeways, and probably twice that in urban miles, and about the same in rural country roads with a lot of hills (coastal range foothills).

I have no form of sway control, and have had no sway issues at speeds below 75 mph. If your trailer is loaded correctly, and attached correctly, I believe you will have no problems.

Scar0 · **Posted:** Wed Sep 26, 2018 1:17 am

As to your question 97_JGC.
It depends on exactly what harness is being installed. A factory harness is tied into the TIPM for some of the light controls.

The trailer sway mitigation programming is not just for trailer sway. It also comes in handy if you take a sharp corner a little to fast or have to make a sudden avoidance move. It helps to keep the trailer from pushing the rig sideways.
When I was towing our 18' IB/OB boat, it saved my rump on a sharp "S" curve I was not expecting.

Not to say it is the be all, to end all, but it can help in some situations.

In most cases, correct loading(60% weight in front of trailer axle/ 40% rear of axle is a good rule of thumb.), common sense, anticipating slow starts, and long stop distances, will keep you happily towing.

Couple more things to add. To much tongue weight can be almost as bad as to little.
Ideally the trailer and tow rig should both sit level. Tongue high will cause a trailer to start sway at lower speeds. Because it changes the balance point of the trailer weight.

97_JGC · **Joined:** Tue Feb 03, 2015 4:43 am **Posts:** 17

Thank you for the replies. I will be using a Curt harness. The lights being affected is my main concern. I have been pulling a trailer for a few years with my 1997 Grand Cherokee so I have some experience with loading etc - from what I gathered from my research is that the cpu had to flashed and I couldn't understand why.

Scar0 · **Posted:** Wed Sep 26, 2018 8:48 pm

With an after market harness that plugs into the light plugs at the rear, you don't have to have the tow package flash done.
You can if you like, but don't have to.

Unless not having it done will affect your warranty for some reason, if you have a warranty

97_JGC · **Joined:** Tue Feb 03, 2015 4:43 am **Posts:** 17

Scar0 thanks for the help.

97_JGC · **Joined:** Tue Feb 03, 2015 4:43 am **Posts:** 17

Well I read cleaning out the weld nuts would be the worst part and so far that has been the case. Of course there is the factory bolt that won't budge either. Time for oil and patience. The threads are rough but getting there. Worst case scenario I put the hitch on my 2012 KK.

Scar0 · **Posted:** Sun Sep 30, 2018 3:07 am

Clean out the threads with a tap. Quick and easy...
For the stuck bolt, I love PB B'laster.

97_JGC · **Joined:** Tue Feb 03, 2015 4:43 am **Posts:** 17

I had the same thought about a tap last night. HF has a metric set cheap at $15 I'll grab today. I hit the bolt every half hour or so with PB blaster. I'm trying to exercise some patience because I really don't wanna snap the bolt head off. On top of this project the drivers side vents started blowing cool air so I think I need to flush my core today as well. Jeep life lol. :lol:

Thank you for the advice it is appreciated.

Scar0 · **Posted:** Tue Oct 02, 2018 4:35 am

Off topic a little; HF has a bad rep for some things. But for other things, like their metal cutting saws-all blades, and metal cutting jig-saw blades, it is the best place to buy them. Less $ and they out last name brand blades by 2x. Who would've thought, right?
Their 3/8 breaker bars and extensions aren't bad either.

Anyway, since your not in a rush to get it done, sounds like you have a good plan of attack.
Could always use a little heat to speed up the progress. Just be VERY careful not to catch anything on fire.

97_JGC · **Joined:** Tue Feb 03, 2015 4:43 am **Posts:** 17

The tap as well as a sacrificial bolt did the trick. The stuck bolt is still stuck lol. The impact gun started to slightly round off the corners so I stopped for the day. I may have to swallow my pride a little and give my mechanic a call to get it out.

Tjh9100 · **Joined:** Thu Jun 28, 2018 8:37 am **Posts:** 20

I had a few issues with getting the threads cleaned out as well as a factory bolt not coming out in my 2012. darn midwest cars. Used some map gas to help get the factory bolt out with a big impact. Ended up with rust embedded on my eye on the fourth of July when I was cleaning out the lot holes it was terrible. Not to bad other than that.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Scar0 · **Posted:** Tue Oct 02, 2018 10:40 am

97_JGC wrote:

The tap as well as a sacrificial bolt did the trick. The stuck bolt is still stuck lol. The impact gun started to slightly round off the corners so I stopped for the day. I may have to swallow my pride a little and give my mechanic a call to get it out.

Try using a 2-lb sledge and smack the face of the bolt. Being careful to not hit the corners.
You can also try using a piece of small vinyl tube pushed into one of the other holes so you can spray PB on the threads inside the frame channel.

Tjh9100 wrote:

I had a few issues with getting the threads cleaned out as well as a factory bolt not coming out in my 2012. darn midwest cars. Used some map gas to help get the factory bolt out with a big impact. Ended up with rust embedded on my eye on the fourth of July when I was cleaning out the lot holes it was terrible. Not to bad other than that.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Ouch! Does not sound like a fun day...

Scar0 · **Posted:** Sat Oct 06, 2018 4:08 am

Did you get it installed yet?

97_JGC · **Joined:** Tue Feb 03, 2015 4:43 am **Posts:** 17

Well I got leery of snapping off the head of the bolt so I caved and gave my mechanic a shout. He threw it up on the lift this morning and the bolt back right out. Good pressure, good gun and good socket makes a world of difference lol. I had the hitch on me and we put it on in a few minutes. Solid guy he is.........Thanks for the help everyone. Now I just need the rain to stop to hook up the harness.

Scar0 · **Posted:** Sat Oct 06, 2018 5:32 pm

Glad you got there. :BANANA:

Hope the rain will give you a break, so you can be happily towing...

2010 hitch install computer flash question

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