Installation of Brake Controller on 2018 Toyota Highlander

Updated 07/02/2020 | Published 06/29/2018

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1382)

$93.38

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

(3471)

$118.67

Question:

My vehicle is 2018 Highlander Hybrid with factory hitch and factory 4 wire plug: Questions 1. recommended brake controller 2. on hybrids you state do not disconnect brake switch without disconnecting the battery. What is a brake switch??? you mean brake pedal? 3. The hybrid battery is in the back driver side corner. So how is it connected to battery and where does the 2 circuit breakers installed. 4. you need to do a Highlander Hybrid brake controller installation video. That would be really useful.

asked by: Loren

Expert Reply:

You asked a lot of great questions so I'll answer them in the order they were asked.

For a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195 to install on your 2018 Toyota Highlander. This proportional brake controller will activate your trailer brakes in a proportion to your vehicle's braking action. It'll automatically adjust your trailer's braking based on the deceleration of the tow vehicle and it activates immediately so there's no pausing like with your time delay brake controllers.

Part of the instructions is not disconnecting the brake light switch on Hybrids unless the battery is disconnected or ignition is in the off position or else you may set off a code in the computer system that limits the vehicle's motion. This is the switch mounted on the brake pedal that activates the brake lights when you push the brake pedal and is the activation signal for a trailer brake controller. The brake pedal's brake light switch is the preferred way to get an electronic brake signal for triggering the controller when installing.

To complete the installation, you will need Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires # ETBC7 along with your factory 4-wire plug to wire in the brake controller. This kit includes everything you need to install an electric trailer brake controller and convert the 4-way to a 7-way connector.

Even though the battery is in the back of the vehicle, my contact at the manufacturer advised me that you will connect to the engine battery that is under the hood. There is a panel right by the driver's side headlight that needs to be open, that is where the 2 circuit brakers need to be installed. I do have a brake controller install video on the 2017 Toyota Highlander attached.

expert reply by: Timothy G

Steve H.

6/28/2020

I am also installing the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195 on a 2018 Toyota Highlander hybrid, and have found conflicting information on where to connect to the battery, and also the brake light switch wire. I saw you mentioned you had an attached video of a 2017 Highlander, but I cant find that. can you resend that video to me or repost, and also any other videos you may have for this hybrid install, as it seems extra sensitive. Thank you!!!1

Chris R.

7/2/2020

I linked an install video below that shows the Tekonsha Primus IQ being installed on the 2017 Highlander. It's a different controller but the process will be identical for your Prodigy P3.

Helpful Links

tv-install-tekonsha-primus-iq-brake-controller-2017-toyota-highlander-tk90160.aspx