Installing a Brake Controller on a 2006 Honda Ridgeline Pulling a Trailer with Electric Brakes

Updated 05/03/2010 | Published 05/01/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6643)

$155.79

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3397)

$121.25

Question:

My Ridgeline I understand came pre-wired when I bought it. Since, Ive added a hitch and a standard 4 pin connector. Now I need an electric controller for a trailer that I just got .By adding the P3 and the harness to the dash connector, I would still need the 7 pin connector harness that connects to the rear of the pre-wired harness. Would I need anything else?

asked by: Bill F

Expert Reply:

According to the information we have, Ridgelines either came with a 7-Way or no trailer connector. Since you added your 4-Way, I assume your Ridgeline did not come with a 7-Way in which case there is no functioning brake controller port underneath the dash.

You will need to add a 7-Way, using something like part # ETBC7. It is a kit that includes a 7-Way and all the components you will need to set up your Ridgeline for a brake controller. You would connect the 4-Way you currently have to the 4-Way on the back of the 7-Way. The 7-Way has 4 loose wires. A white wire that should be grounded to the Ridgeline. A black wire that should be run to the positive post on your Ridgeline battery. A purple wire that is normally run to the reverse light circuit. If you do not need it, you can tape it up and tuck it out of the way. Finally the blue wire will need to be run to the cab for the brake controller.

The blue wire would match up to the blue wire on the Tekonsha P3. The white wire from the P3 needs to be run to the negative post on the battery. The red wire on the P3 needs to go up to the wire on the stop light switch that goes hot when you press the brake pedal. Finally the black wire on the P3 needs to be run to the battery with a 20 or 30 amp breaker in line depending on how may axles of your trailer have brakes.

I have added a link to a brake controller install on a 2006 Ridgeline. This video uses a more involved 7-Way. The ETBC7 kit comes with a pre-wired 7-Way with loose leads to make isntallation easier.

expert reply by: Patrick B