How do I tell which tow package I have?

[Purpleorchid]

I am probably going to buy the Curt Hitch, but I have not yet decided if I'm going to buy the OEM harness yet. We have nothing to tow other than a bike rack in our future so the harness is not necessary. However, just for kicks, I want to make sure what kind of towing capacity I have. I am looking at the instructions for the OEM towing harness (0000-8E-N13A&B) and step 17 of the instructions say to indicate the radiator marking for the customer. I must be blind, but I can't for the life of me find that little stamping on my radiator. Is that a plastic rectangle or a metal rectangle?

I have a 2012 CX-9 AWD Grand Touring, so I *think* I have the 3,500 lb capacity engine, but I want to make sure.

Thanks in advance.

 

[blindguy]

The easiest way to check if you have the tow prep package is to to look for two fan control boxes attached to the radiator. Non-tow prep vehicles will have two fans, but only one fan control box. I believe the AWD CX-9's have the tow prep package as standard equipment.

 

[ceric]

I believe the AWD CX-9's have the tow prep package as standard equipment.

True for later model years. Not so for my 2008, at least.
Yes, look for TWO silverish control boxes with heat sinks (fins) near radiator/fan.

 

[Purpleorchid]

I tried a second time and found the stamping. It's tucked up way underneath the front plastic cover of the radiator about midway between front grill Mazda logo and the driver headlight. It's black plastic with white stamped lettering, for those interested.

My code indicates that I do indeed have the higher towing capacity.

Thanks all.

 

[blindguy]

That's good to know concerning the earlier AWD cars and the tow prep package.

So, just for curiosity sake, what is the code on the radiator supposed to read for the higher towing capacity?

 

[ceric]

The radiators are different. Therefore, different model numbers.

 

[Purpleorchid]

According to the OEM harness instructions (Part 0000-8E-N13A&B...2009 CX-9 and up):

CY03/CA27 = 3,500lb max tow capacity & 350lb max tongue weight
CY01/CA26 = 2,000lb max tow capacity & 200lb max tongue weight

At the second attempt, I found the stamp on my car: CA27.