Installing a Brake Controller on a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee with Connection Port Under the Dash

Updated 05/19/2010 | Published 05/16/2010

Products Featured in This Question

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

(3448)

$118.16

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(107)

$1.65

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(65)

$12.94

Question:

I just bought a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I am trying to install a brake control to pull my pop-up camper. I found on the internet the there is a factory installed wire green for this brake control...I found one end of it under the dash on the left-hand side, but I am unable to find the other end at the back of the jeep. Does anyone know where the other end of this green wire ends up in the back of the Jeep? I need this to wire it to my 7-blade trailer side connector. My Jeep does not have the tow package so it is not part of any existing wiring.

asked by: Jon M

Expert Reply:

You are correct that there is a green wire exiting the brake controller connector under the dash of your 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The problem is that since your vehicle is not equipped with the tow package the wire is terminated somewhere inside the wiring harness and is very difficult to find.

The best route for you to take is to make sure that the Power wire and the stoplight switch wire in the connector are active. Use a circuit tester, item # PTW2993, to test the ports in the connector. If those wires are active, you can install the brake controller Using the Universal Brake Control Wiring Adapter, Dodge, item # 20261, leaving the blue wire from the brake controller free.

You would then need to run the appropriate length of 10 Gauge Blue Primary Wire, item # 10-1-1, from the blue wire on the back of the brake controller to the 7-Way connector at the rear of your vehicle.

If you find that the functions for a brake controller are not present in the adapter that you found under the dash you will need to use the Brake Controller 7 and 4 Way Installation Kit, item # ETBC7 to complete the installation on your vehicle. We have detailed installation instructions (see link) for you to review online.

expert reply by: Robert G