Brake Controller Installation on 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee w/ OEM 7-Way Trailer Connector
Updated 07/18/2015 | Published 07/17/2015
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Question:
Is there a plug and play adapter to connect a Tekonsha Brake Controller into a 7 Pin Wiring Harness that is part of a factory installed Trailer Tow Group IV installed on a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with a 5.7 liter hemi?
asked by: Patrick M
Expert Reply:
Since your Grand Cherokee is equipped with the factory 7-way trailer connector (if it says Mopar on the flap covering the 7-way, it's the factory connector), the brake controller connection has been partially wired, but there isn't a plug and play option for installing a brake controller.
Jeep will have ran the brake controller output circuit from under the dash on the driver's side back to the 7-way. Look for a coiled up blue or light green wire located near the emergency brake pedal or behind the kick panel. Sometimes the wire is located on the firewall behind the carpet.
To install the controller, you'll need a # 5506 wiring kit. You will need to run the black wire on the controller to the positive battery terminal vial a 30-amp circuit breaker included in the kit and the white controller wire to the negative terminal. The blue controller wire would connect to the wire you found that runs back to the 7-way. The red wire connects to the brake stoplight switch located atop the brake pedal. Use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 and probe all the wires exiting the switch, looking for the wire that only shows power when the brake pedal is pressed (likely a white wire with a tan stripe). Once you find the correct wire, use a quick splice connector like # SWC502905-1 to splice the red brake controller wire into it.
I've linked you to an installation video showing a brake controller being installed on an older Grand Cherokee that has the factory 7-way. The procedure shown would be very similar for your vehicle.
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