How to Install a Trailer Brake Controller
Trucks less than a few years old are available with an optional electronic brake controller. This makes installing a brake controller in these vehicles a "plug in" process. All is not lost if you have an older vehicle that isn't factory wired for a controller however, as installing an electronic brake controller is a project quickly completed by the average handy person.
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Things You'll Need
- Brake controller 20 Amp resettable circuit breaker Scotchlok connector 12 gauge primary wire 12 gauge solder-less butt connectors 12 gauge solder-less ring connectors
Instructions
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1
Open the hood and disconnect the negative cable from the vehicle battery.
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2
Use self tapping screws and mount a 20 amp circuit breaker in a location near the battery. Good locations are the inner fender or the radiator support.
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3
Connect one side of the circuit breaker to the battery positive terminal. This is most easily done using a solderless ring connector and attaching it under the nut on the terminal bolt.
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4
Select a location to mount the brake controller in the cab. Be certain it is within reach when driving, and is not in a location that interferes with passenger or driver.
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5
Run a 12 gauge wire from the second terminal of the circuit breaker to the black wire of the brake controller and connect with a solderless butt connector.
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6
Run another 12 gauge wire from the white wire of the brake controller back to the negative terminal of the battery.
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7
Reconnect the battery.
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8
Use a test light or voltage meter and locate the wire on the brake light switch that is powered only when the brake pedal is depressed. Be absolutely certain this wire is powered only when the pedal is pressed as this is the trigger for the brake controller.
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9
Use a Scotchlok connector and connect this brake light switch wire to the red wire on the brake controller. Connect it to the red wire with a solder-less butt connector.
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10
Run a blue 12 gauge wire from the blue wire on the brake controller to the proper pin on the trailer connector at the rear of the truck.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have a newer vehicle, check with your dealer for a plug in brake controller.
