Hardwiring a Brake Controller to a 2016 Ford Explorer
Updated 08/21/2018 | Published 08/20/2018
Question:
The plug in my vehicle has 2 fat wires 1st blue and 2nd yellow/orange and 2 smaller gage wires 1st black/white and 2nd purple. The purple is +12v when brake is applied. The yellow/orange is +12v all the time. May you please tell me what the other two are? Tring to connect a controller by splicing while I get the appropriate patch cable. Controller wires are labeled Battery black, Ground white, Brake blue, and Stop red.
asked by: Zen
Expert Reply:
To install a brake controller, like the Prodigy P3 # 90195, on your 2016 Ford Explorer you will need to connect the following wires to the following functions:
Blue - 7-Way Output to Trailer
Black - 12V Power
White - Ground
Red - COLD Side of Stop Light Switch (only gets hot when brake pedal is pressed)
It sounds like the wires on your Explorer will connect as follows:
Blue - 7-Way Output to Trailer - Blue on Explorer
Black - 12V Power - Yellow/Orange on Explorer
White - Ground - White on Explorer
Red - COLD Side of Stop Light Switch - Purple on Explorer
I would verify that the blue wire on your explorer is for your brakes by applying 12V power to it and checking the pin in the 5 o'clock position (see photo) with a circuit tester # PTW2993 to ensure that you are getting 12V power at the 7-Way.
If your Explorer came with a 7-Way, you would be able to use the adapter # 3035-P to avoid hardwiring it. This adapter is for Tekonsha, Draw-Tite, and Tow ready brake controllers.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Transmission Cooler
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Derale Dyno-Cool Tube-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit - Class III - Economy
- Q&A: Trailer Wiring and Brake Controller Recommendations for a 2017 Ford Explorer Without OEM Tow Package
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Review C56040
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Q&A: Installation Time for Blue Ox BX1128 Flat Tow Base Plate Kit for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Video: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags with Easy Mount Compressor Feature Breakdown
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Video: Clean Up Your Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Q&A: Comparing the Curt Hitch C13416 and EcoHitch Hitch 306-X7396 for a 2019 Toyota RAV4
on Trailer Brake Controller
