Finding Brake Light Wire On 2011 Volkswagen Golf When Installing Brake Controller

Question:

I am attempting to install a Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller on my 2011 VW Golf. I removed the Prodigy from my older Jetta, but it never did work correctly on the output of the Curt trailer light converter as a signal to the controller. I have searched your web site and cannot find any specific instructions for locating a suitable wire in the absence of an older US-type brake light switch. Although one post said it could be done, your tech adviser did not identify a connection point to tap. The light switch on the VW Golf master cylinder feeds to the power-supply control unitinch computer which then that sends signal to the brake lights, according to the British version of the Haynes Workshop manual. It also sends, on the same wire, voltage to the engine management computerinch so I am afraid to tap that circuit. Can you advise me on a suitable tapping point in the Golf for the brake controller red wire designed for the cold side of the brake light switch? Thanks

asked by: Jack A

Expert Reply:

Some vehicles do make it tough to simply wire into the brake light switch for the brake controller and your Golf may be one of those, but I do have a solution for you.

I called my contact at Tekonsha and they told me that you will want to find the wire that leads to the third brake light. Use a tester like part # PTW2993 and find the wire that only shows power when the brake pedal is pressed. You would then attach the red wire from the brake controller to that wire.

Although they were unable to tell me which side of the vehicle the wire is run, you will typically find the wire under the door threshold on the driver or passenger side.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L