Installing a Brake Controller Onto a 2015 Jeep Cherokee With Aftermarket 4-way and 7-way Installed

Published 03/11/2016

Products Featured in This Question

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

(6641)

$169.94

12-10 Gauge Butt Connector

(23)

$0.86

12 Gauge Wire - Black Primary - Per Foot

(30)

$2.01

16 Gauge Primary Wire - Black - Per Foot

(61)

$1.14

30 amp. In-Line Circuit Breaker - Perpendicular Mount Bracket

(73)

$7.28

In-Line Circuit Breaker - 20 Amp - Perpendicular Mount Bracket

(100)

$5.19

Ring Terminal - 12-10 Gauge Wire - 3/8" Ring ID

(69)

$1.67

Quick Splices - Self-Stripping Connector - Closed Port - 14-16-18 Gauge - Blue - Qty 1

(56)

$2.80

Question:

I have a 2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited 6 cylinder which I purchased without the tow package. I took it back to the dealer and had them install a Jeep hitch and wiring, and Im seeing both a 4 pin and a 7 pin connector. My question is, what do I have to do to install a brake controller? Im planning to tow a Forest River rPod 171. Ive asked the Jeep dealer if they installed a brake controller connector, but they did not think so. Im considering the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Brake Controller, though I have not purchased anything yet. I have been able to locate the brake wire in the cargo area of my vehicle and found they have made a connection to my vehicle's battery what now? I'm wondering if I should try to run two wires to the front, one for the brake signal that is being supplied to the trailer wiring connector (either the 4 pin or the 7 pin) and the other for the brake controller.That way I'm thinking I wouldn't have to find the right wire for the brake signal in the wiring harness under the dash and tap into it. Jeep frowns on that! Thank you!

asked by: Lyle

Expert Reply:

I can help you finish up the installation of your brake controller on your 2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited.

I really like the Tekonsha P3 # 90195. This brake controller is a proportional controller, which means whatever pressure you press the tow vehicles brakes it will apply the same pressure and intensity to the trailers brakes. It also has a customizable full display screen which provides you with a full error messages instead of codes that need to be deciphered.

If you go with the P3 Brake Controller # 90195 you will need a 20 amp circuit breaker like the Pollack # 9506P when running your black power wire to the battery positive terminal. (For 1 or 2 brake axles, the 20 amp is ok. For more than 2 brake axles, use the 30amp) The white wire of the brake controller connector will need to be grounded and is recommended to be mounted to the negative battery terminal. You will want to use 12 gauge ring terminals like # DW05705-1, for both the positive and negative connections. Now you will want to use a butt connector like # 05732-2 and 12 gauge wire like # 12-1-1 to run/extend the brake controller wire from the cargo area up to the drivers steering column area where you decide to mount the brake controller. Connect that wire to the blue wire coming from the brake controller. Now what we are left with is the red wire from the brake controller, this needs to be connected to the stop light wire. You will not be able to find the stoplight wire in your taillight wires because you have combined wires on your Jeep, which means that the same wire carries the brake light also carries the turn signal. If you do not want to slipe/tap into the one behind the brake pedal, it is possible to locate the CHMSL (Center High Mount Stop Light) wire and use a quick connect like # SWC502905-1 to run this function back to the brake controller. For this connection you will want to use a smaller gauge wire for this like the 16 gauge # 16-1-1.

It's important to note that if you go with a different brake controller you may be required to have a 30 amp circuit breaker instead # 38630.

I have linked some install videos as well as all the products mentioned above for your convenience.