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tbartman67, I share your pain. I have been down the road and gave up. I did however install the factory hitch and like it better for it is stronger (clamps on both sides of the frame), replaces the aluminum bumper with a much stronger steel cross member, easier for 1 person to install for nothing other than the plastic bumper cover needs to be removed, with the help of my wife. The exhaust can stay in place. But mostly because it does not hang down so far and stick out the back. Part number PW960-78005 and can be purchased with free shipping for under $300. If you want to change the kick sensor, it is part number 8910A-78010. I only use it for a bike rack. If removing a bumper makes you cringe, perhaps the other hitch options or pay some one to do it are better.
I can't seem to attach the installation instructions, but if you call a different dealer service department, they will send or give you a temporary link.
As for wiring, it looks like the gas wire kit is PT725-78220 and the Hybrid is PT725-78221, and they both look like an absolute pain to install. Instructions are attached. I'm uncertain if these are for the model with the tow package or not. Verify with the dealer first. There are other 3rd party wire kits that may need some mods to work, and they look simpler to install. Far cheaper too. My guess is the factory wiring is more robust. I did not do the wiring for it is not needed for my bike rack.
Unrelated, I've come to realize and accept that Lexus is just a better looking Toyota, not better made. That is not necessarily a bad thing for Toyota makes one of the best most reliable cars out there. I wrongly believed that Lexus was superior in more ways than just cosmetics... before owning and working on one.
Thank you SO MUCH for the part numbers and instruction links! Yeah, the wiring seems do-able, but maybe not a lot of fun. Here is the text convo I had with the service manager at my local dealer. Again, I never told him I already put on my own hitch, but maybe he's figured that out by now LOL. He said on the phone that part of the hitch expense was replacing the kick sensors, but I definitely don't need that as mine is working fine. I think when I go in for my first service I'll have them do the wiring while this guy still works there and I can hold him to the $226 price.
I'll have them do the wiring while this guy still works there and I can hold him to the $226 price.
I really doubt the dealer will install the factory trailer wiring for that price, and suggest you get it in writing exactly what wiring kit they are using. Then double check their work. Price is just too low for a dealership when just the kit is more than that. They are likely quoting an aftermarket kit similar to the Curt C59236 https://www.etrailer.com/t1-2022_Lexus_NX+350.htm. There are many out there and some require a few wires on one of the connectors to be reversed to work properly.
I really doubt the dealer will install the factory trailer wiring for that price, and suggest you get it in writing exactly what wiring kit they are using. Then double check their work. Price is just too low for a dealership when just the kit is more than that. They are likely quoting an aftermarket kit similar to the Curt C59236 https://www.etrailer.com/t1-2022_Lexus_NX+350.htm. There are many out there and some require a few wires on one of the connectors to be reversed to work properly.
yes, I find it very odd - but he says he talked to his guy on the floor and they claim the wiring is already there? Did Lexus start including it with the towing package in 2024??
I would figure out how to get something in writing before they start, and if they tear the car apart and say "oops" I'll say they can finish the work for the quoted price, or they can do nothing and I'll pay nothing! I would also immediately drive the car to the nearest UHaul and see if they'll let me just hook up to a trailer with a 4-flat for 2 minutes to test the lights!
Did Lexus start including it with the towing package in 2024??
That would be great if that is what the $160 tow package is (but I doubt it). There are many folks curious as to exactly what is included in this mystery tow package. It is a Lexus secret.
That would be great if that is what the $160 tow package is (but I doubt it). There are many folks curious as to exactly what is included in this mystery tow package. It is a Lexus secret.
He did say that the $160 "tow package" is a transmission cooler, and it certainly doesn't seem expensive enough to include any kind of extra wiring / adapters, so I do think he's full of it. It's just so frustrating that I contacted national corporate, and they said they wouldn't tell me anything about anything because "your local person is the expert" even after I explained that all of us on this board get different stories from our "experts."
Maybe I'll bring it by sooner rather than later, partially just to get data for all of us here! Again, my approach will be "you promised me a properly-functioning 4-flat for $226, and I'm holding you to that. If you don't know the product, that's your problem."
Actually, I discovered that a bunch of stores (AutoZone, Lowes, etc.) sell various brands of 4-flat testers for under $10! (useful if the trailer lights don't work and you don't know if it's the car wiring, the trailer wiring, or the trailer light bulbs). You plug them into the car side to at least test things to that point. I'll grab one to bring to the dealer when I have the wiring done and I can test it right there in the lot before I drive away.
It actually sticks out less far than the bumper itself!
I looked underneath to try to find the kick sensor(s). I didn't see anything obvious, except this little black rectangle that's right above where I've been kicking, 6" to the passenger side of the middle. I do not see another one of these in the middle or towards the driver's side of the car. So maybe this is the sensor? But I don't see or feel any obvious wires running to it, so who knows? I do have the towing package, and someone had a theory that with that the number or location of the sensor(s) might be in different places. All that said, I do not guarantee that YOUR kick sensor(s) will work! Trying to get info directly from Lexus is a pipe dream.
Kick sensor?
The kick sensor sits inside the bumper and on my 2022 NX 350 with the tow package it is the full size one which runs along the bottom of the bumper. The OEM hitch receiver comes through the bumper where the sensor is, so a new, smaller kicksensor needs to be installed. See the instruction manual in my post: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/nx-...l#post11535498 (page 17 and 20)
The kick sensor sits inside the bumper and on my 2022 NX 350 with the tow package it is the full size one which runs along the bottom of the bumper. The OEM hitch receiver comes through the bumper where the sensor is, so a new, smaller kicksensor needs to be installed. See the instruction manual in my post: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/nx-...l#post11535498 (page 17 and 20)
Thanks for directing me to that photo of the removed kick sensor.
So it definitely looks like since I got the tow package I have a sensor that runs across the bumper, and since I got the Drawtite which tucks nicely under the bumper, it seems that's why it doesn't obstruct the sensors. I wonder if the Curt one causes problems because of where the crossbar is? But either way, my kick sensor continues to work very reliably, for those who are interested (again, with the Drawtite hitch, on a car that came with the tow package).
Still haven't chased down seeing if my dealer could actually do my wiring for the $226 he promised! Might explore that next month.
Hi Eiichiro,
I was wondering if you saw the wiring harness for the kick sensor? My 2023 NX350h did not come with a kick sensor but I bought the kick sensor part and trying to install it this week but I am not sure where the wire harness is that the kick sensor plugs into as its not shown in the wire diagram online. I gather it originates from the same place as the trailer hitch wiring as it's on that side of the trunk and may require a Y harness splitter. I was wondering if you saw that or had any photos of the kick sensor wiring harness or know where it originates at. Also, I see you are from Nagano, I'm from Hawaii but am flying to Japan next week for 4 weeks and will be going to Nagano/Takayama/Kamikochi/Shirakawa to see the autumn leaves and travel over the alpine pass and do some hiking. Nagano looks like it's a beautiful area almost like Switzerland, I'm just hoping I don't see any bears on the trails.
tbartman67, I share your pain. I have been down the road and gave up. I did however install the factory hitch and like it better for it is stronger (clamps on both sides of the frame), replaces the aluminum bumper with a much stronger steel cross member, easier for 1 person to install for nothing other than the plastic bumper cover needs to be removed, with the help of my wife. The exhaust can stay in place. But mostly because it does not hang down so far and stick out the back. Part number PW960-78005 and can be purchased with free shipping for under $300. If you want to change the kick sensor, it is part number 8910A-78010. I only use it for a bike rack. If removing a bumper makes you cringe, perhaps the other hitch options or pay some one to do it are better.
I can't seem to attach the installation instructions, but if you call a different dealer service department, they will send or give you a temporary link.
As for wiring, it looks like the gas wire kit is PT725-78220 and the Hybrid is PT725-78221, and they both look like an absolute pain to install. Instructions are attached. I'm uncertain if these are for the model with the tow package or not. Verify with the dealer first. There are other 3rd party wire kits that may need some mods to work, and they look simpler to install. Far cheaper too. My guess is the factory wiring is more robust. I did not do the wiring for it is not needed for my bike rack.
Unrelated, I've come to realize and accept that Lexus is just a better looking Toyota, not better made. That is not necessarily a bad thing for Toyota makes one of the best most reliable cars out there. I wrongly believed that Lexus was superior in more ways than just cosmetics... before owning and working on one.
Where did you find this for under 300 with free shipping? I am confused about the kick sensor part you referenced, do i need to order that as well? I will be installing the hitch for bike racks no wiring needed for towing,
We have a Lexus 2023 NX 450h+ and added a 2-inch trailer hitch for biking, a Curt 13498. We also added a Kuat Hi-Lo extender so the hatch wouldn't touch the bikes. We mount the bikes on a Kuat NV 2.0. This works very well.
Btw, this breaks the kick sensor. But I turned off the electronic hatch open function anyway. It works perfectly fine pressing the button and lifting the hatch.
Where did you find this for under 300 with free shipping? I am confused about the kick sensor part you referenced, do i need to order that as well? I will be installing the hitch for bike racks no wiring needed for towing,
Thanks if you can answer!
Park Place Lexus right now is $326, shipping is free. When I got it, they were having a holiday sale and it was about $275 with free shipping. Do a google search for PW96078005, and make sure that shipping is free. Several sellers have a lower price but have a hefty shipping charge.
If you currently have a kick sensor, the kick sensor may not work properly without replacing it with the shorter one made to work with the factory hitch. If it does not matter to you if the kick sensor works well or not, don't bother replacing it. Remember the most important thing is to disable the kick sensor from your display screen settings before you put on your bike rack, or the rear hatch may accidently open into the bike rack.
Last edited by AtomicLexus; Oct 22, 2023 at 07:16 PM.
Park Place Lexus right now is $326, shipping is free. When I got it, they were having a holiday sale and it was about $275 with free shipping. Do a google search for PW96078005, and make sure that shipping is free. Several sellers have a lower price but have a hefty shipping charge.
If you currently have a kick sensor, the kick sensor may not work properly without replacing it with the shorter one made to work with the factory hitch. If it does not matter to you if the kick sensor works well or not, don't bother replacing it. Remember the most important thing is to disable the kick sensor from your display screen settings before you put on your bike rack, or the rear hatch may accidently open into the bike rack.
ok thanks, i think i understand now what the kick sensor situation is. my 2024 nx 350 is due to come in 2 weeks so i dont have it yet. is the kick sensor tied to the power open close rear door 400 dollar option?
did you do the wiring for towing on your install? i dont need towing now but i am wondering if i should have that done as well during the install to future proof since i plan to have the vehicle at least 7 years. does the PW96078005 hitch come with the necessary wiring on that or is it a separate part? how much more of an effort is it to do the wiring install, the instruction linked in the forum above seems fairly involved
ok thanks, i think i understand now what the kick sensor situation is. my 2024 nx 350 is due to come in 2 weeks so i dont have it yet. is the kick sensor tied to the power open close rear door 400 dollar option?
did you do the wiring for towing on your install? i dont need towing now but i am wondering if i should have that done as well during the install to future proof since i plan to have the vehicle at least 7 years. does the PW96078005 hitch come with the necessary wiring on that or is it a separate part? how much more of an effort is it to do the wiring install, the instruction linked in the forum above seems fairly involved
The kick sensor is part of the Premium and above packages, NOT part of the $400 power lift gate option for the base model.
I did no wiring for I only use it for my bike rack. I did not even mount the wire harness bracket that would hang down in the way. The wiring is a separate package at about the same cost as the hitch. It looks like a big task to install and unnecessary for my needs. Besides, the rated trailer towing is a joke at 1500 and 2000 lbs, while the Rav4 can tow upwards of 3500 lbs depending on model. No clue why, same chassis and drive train.
BTW, the factory activity mount (1-1/4" receiver) is extremely well made, and a bit less costly. Plus you won't need to remove the bumper cover. You are limited to 1-1/4" receiver size bike racks, but there are lots of well made ones out there.
Last edited by AtomicLexus; Oct 23, 2023 at 01:52 PM.
