Installing a Brake Controller in a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 7-Way Trailer Connector

Updated 03/01/2016 | Published 02/28/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

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$41.88

Wiring Kit for 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brake Electric Trailer Brake Controllers

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$56.76

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

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$13.35

Question:

Im trying to install your 90160 Tekonsha Primus I-Q Proportional Trailer Brake Control on my 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. My Jeep already has the factory OEM 7 pole trailer connector installed. Ive plugged it into my trailer and all the lights work properly. How do I connect your 90160 Tekonsha Primus I-Q Proportional Trailer Brake Control into the factory wiring under the dash of my 2004 Jeep? Do I need to simply spliceinch the wires from the controller into the existing wires, or do I have to Hardwire the Brake Controller into my 2004 Jeep? I originally bought and installed the controller on a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo and it worked great. Unfortunately that Jeep was totaled and sent to the wrecking ward. I did salvage all of the Hard Wired wiring harness I made for the 1998 Jeep. I dont want to bypass and Hard Wire my 2004 Jeep unless I have to. As I mentioned all the lights work on my trailer when I plug the 7 pole connector from my trailer into my 2004 Jeep. I just need to install the Tekonsha Primus I-Q Proportional Trailer Brake Control on my 2004 Jeep. Your help will be greatly appreciated. Ill be anxiously awaiting any information you can provide. Thank you for your time

asked by: Victor

Expert Reply:

On your 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee check behind the driver's side kick panel (to the left of your left foot) or up under the dash. There may be a loose light blue wire that is the brake output wire from a controller to the trailer. It connects to the brake controller blue wire.

If the blue wire is not present, then you will need to run a wire from the brake controller back to the 7-Way manually and attach it to the back of the 7-Way in the 7 o'clock position.

The rest of the installation will require kit # 5506. The white wire will need to ground to the negative battery terminal. Black goes to the positive battery terminal via the 30-amp circuit breaker included.

For the red wire you will need to use a circuit tester such as # PTW2993 to test the brake switch wires located above the brake pedal. You need the wire that only has power when the brake pedal is pressed. If the wire has power at any other time, such as with the head lights or turn signals on, it is not the correct wire.

expert reply by: Michael H