Installing a Brake Controller from Scratch on a 2006 Hyundai Tucson  

Question:

Expert Reply:

In order to install a brake controller, you will first need to install a 4-Way wiring harness if your 2006 Hyundai Tucson does not already have one. You can then install the 4- and 7-Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. For a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, # 90885. I have included a link to the installation details below.

The correct 4-Way harness is the Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, # 118397. This is a T-one style connector that plugs in line with the vehicle taillights. I have included a link to the installation details below. With this harness installed, you can then install the ETBC7 which will provide a 4- and 7-way connection at the rear of the vehicle.

The 4-Way will plug into the back of the ETBC7 leaving 4 wires left to hardwire. Ground the white wire to the vehicle frame. The loose yellow or purple wire will connect to a reverse light wire on the vehicle. The black wire on the ETBC7 will connect to the black wire in the included duplex cable. The blue wire will connect to the white wire on the duplex cable.

Once the connections are made, route the wires under the vehicle, avoiding areas that might pinch or burn the wires, up through the engine compartment near the battery. Under the hood, separate the two wires of the duplex cable. You will need enough of the black wire to first attach to a 40-amp circuit breaker and then to the positive battery terminal. Cut off the excess.

Next, route the white wire through the firewall and attach it to the blue wire on the brake controller. Take some of the extra wire clipped off earlier and attach it to the black wire on the brake controller. Route it through the firewall and attach it to a 20- or 30-amp circuit breaker (see brake controller instructions for which size to use) and then to the positive battery terminal.

Attach a length of wire to the white wire on the brake controller, route it through the firewall, and connect it to the negative battery terminal. The last connection is the red wire on the brake controller. Using a circuit tester, like # PTW2993, find the wire on the brake switch above the brake pedal, that carries a signal ONLY when the brake pedal is pressed. Connect the red wire to this wire.

I have included a link to an FAQ article on installing a brake controller from scratch and a video showing the installation of an ETBC7 kit for reference.

expert reply by: Michael H

0