Location of the Brake Control Wires on a 2002 Ford Explorer

Updated 03/09/2012 | Published 03/07/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford, Lincoln, Mercury

(1793)

$18.95

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

(159)

$29.62

Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole

(659)

$61.47

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

(3397)

$121.25

Question:

Where is the electric brake pigtal hookup located on a 2002 Ford Explorer ? My car is an 02 but the paperwork says 01. Thanks.

asked by: Glover P

Expert Reply:

The wires for the brake controller on your 2002 Ford Explorer will be in one of two locations. They may be under the dash on the drivers side of the vehicle left of the steering column or behind the glove box on the passenger side. If your vehicle has a factory 7-Way connector, then there should be a port where you can plug in the wiring adapter, # 3035-P. The port may be white, black or gray.

If your vehicle comes with a factory 4-Flat trailer connector, then you may or may not have that port under the dash. If you do have that port under the dash, then you will just need a 4 pole to 7 pole adapter, # 37185. I have attached an article showing different examples of the port for the brake control wires under the dash. If you do not have that port under your dash, then I would recommend getting the Brake Controller Installation Kit, # ETBC7. This kit comes with the 4 pole to 7 pole adapter, plus additional hardware and wires to run to the vehicle battery and brake controller.

If there is not a trailer connector at all at the rear of your vehicle, you will need to install the T-One Wiring Harness, # 118344, before you install the 4 pole to 7 pole adapter if you do not have a working 4-Way connector. I have linked instructions on the installation of this wiring harness.

My research shows the 2001 Ford Explorers did not come with a factory 7-Way connector, so the installation process would be the same as the 2002 Ford Explorer with a factory 4-Flat connector or with no connector at all.

I have included a video and an article detailing the installation of a brake controller and installation kit, # ETBC7, for you to check out. The vehicle in the video is a 1996 Ford Explorer, but the installation process is the same.