OK everyone, I did research on this today (I love tracking this kind of stuff down) and here is a little of the thread I remembered reading with regards to what I was calling a "booster" module. Turns out that's exactly what it was. After I got into it, I remembered the necessity was triggered when they went to an all LED lighting system back there - and the power need, and supplied, for the LED's is insufficient for the addition of a trailer harness. Putting 2 + 2 together made me realize that the accessory harness manufacturers don't need a relay, because they have a direct wire to the battery to bring back more power. I would also point out that these are '10 models, which was the model in the OP. So, HoloHolo, your hearing is fine. I'll drop you a bill in the mail for audio services. Case closed. OK What's next?
BDM
09-18-2010, 02:03 PM
Hello everyone, this is my first time posting, but I've been reading for two months now. I have the same set-up as the OP. Installed my hitch last weekend, no big deal (btw, my torque wrench fit all the bolts with plenty of clearance). I received my wiring harness Thursday and just finished installing it. I took my time with the wiring harness & I installed it clean. Plugged my boat trailer in and all the lights worked (always a plus). Disconnected the trailer and was going to move the 9, pressed the brake and I hear "CLICK"....huh....couple more time pressing the brake and I get the same noise. I disconnected the wiring harness from the main and the "CLICK" went away.....grrr....
I pulled the fuse and it was fine. Called the dealer mentioned by the OP and talked to the parts dept. I explained the harness was defective, explained that I followed the instructions step by step (minus removing Bose kicker, and back panel and some other trim the didn't need to be removed). I told them I wanted a replacement sent to me and once I received it, I would return the original. He told me I needed to send the original first. I explained about the grommet etc and said I needed the replacement first. He said he would bill be for it and when I returned the original, credit me. I told him I will just call my local dealer.
09-23-2010, 12:01 PM
So it appears we have one that hears it and one that doesn't. I received the replacement harness last night and it to makes the same noise. I made an appointment with the dealer for Saturday, I'll let you know what I find out.
I am a bit surprised you can hear a relay click in something that is buried under two panels in the very back. Maybe I am misunderstanding something.
Yes you are. I needed confirmation as to whether that click is "normal" or not. I'm not just going to ignore it and potentially fry a component within my main wiring harness because of a bad ground or other issue within the vehicle itself. IMHO, I shouldn't have to listen to the click on a $36K vehicle regardless of whether it is a normal noise or not, that is unacceptable in my book.
Pootie Tang
09-25-2010, 07:18 PM
I agree. And the click is strange. Have you confirmed that it is the module?
BDM
09-26-2010, 10:38 AM
The noise is coming from the module. The Mazda dealer looked at it yesterday and confirmed the click. They informed me the click is in fact the relay within the black box. He said he can hear it as well, but explained that it is normal since it's a mechanical part. They had since received in a harness, so he grabbed it and plugged it in. Both of us agreed that his unit was even louder than mine. I told him that I would probably purchase the sound dampening material that Pootie Tang suggested (thank you for that suggestion) and lay it over the top of the jack compartment. I'm sure over time I won't notice it as much.
At least now I know it's functioning correctly and no longer fear it doing damage to another electrical component. Ironically, my wife couldn't hear the noise yesterday, while I could. Maybe my hearing is better than I thought, lol.....
Anyways, thanks for all the input everyone had, I appreciate it, you guys are great!
