Installing an Electric Trailer Brake Controller on a 2011 Honda Pilot

Question

Question:

Hey folks, I installed the kit in my 2011 Honda Pilot, which came prewired for the brake controller and with a hitch, but with no plug for trailer lights etc. The kit, 118253, went in just as the instructions described. All the fuses etc are in place, and it works the trailer lights on my boat just fine. Problem is that I installed my Tekonsha brake controller this weekend and it is not getting any power. The plug for the brake controller was already there, under the dash, on the far left side, and I bought the Honda to Tekonsha cable, but no luck. Is there something else I need?

asked by: Josh

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Expert Reply:

From what I can find, if the 2011 Honda Pilot did not come with a trailer connector then you cannot use the Tekonsha harness # 3070-P as it is not connected all the way like on models that came with the completed factory tow package.

This could also mean that the 7-Way you installed, # 118253 is not fully functional. What you will need to do to install the brake controller is hardwire it using brake controller installation kit # 5506.

You will need to cut the blue wire off several inches back from the 7-Way you installed. Then on the cut end that goes to the trailer connector, attach one end of the white wire in the included cable. Then route the wire under the vehicle, avoiding areas that may pinch or burn the wire, and go up into the engine compartment.

Route the wire through the firewall into the cab of the vehicle and attach the other end of the white wire to the blue wire on the brake controller. Keep any excess wire.

Next, attach one end of the left over wire to the white wire on the controller, route it through the firewall, and attach it to the negative battery terminal. Keep any excess wire. The next step is to attach one end of the remaining wire to the brake controller black wire, route it through the firewall, and attach it to the AUX post of the included circuit breaker that you will need to mount to the metal surface of the engine compartment. Then attach a wire from the BAT post to the positive battery terminal.

The last connection, the red wire, will attach to the cold side of the brake switch. Using a circuit tester like # PTW2993, probe the wires on the switch above the brake pedal until you find the one that carries a signal only when the brake pedal is applied. If it shows a signal with the running lights or turn signals it is not the correct wire. I have included some links that might help.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

The green light on the Tekonsha Voyager Brake Controller, #39510, indicates that the trailer is connected to your Honda Pilot, so it will not come on unless a trailer is connected. If the green light does not come on when the trailer is connected,…

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Answer 2

Hello Lucas, We do not have 3,500 pound electric brakes with the 5 bolt flange. I looked up the specs on the 2012 Rockwood Premier 2516G and the information that I am finding is that the brake flange is a 4 bolt, but your wheel bolt pattern is a 5…

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Answer 3

Although the Timbren springs might sit at roughly the same level above the axle, they are constructed completely differently. The factory bump stops are intended to keep the suspension and axle from bottoming out against the chassis of the vehicle.…

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Answer 4

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 5

The #84 spindle is just a common way to identify the spindle dimensions typically used for 3,500 lb axles. So instead of listing out the parts, people can just say they have #84 spindles and it's easier to know what fits it. The CE Smith Trailer…

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Answer 6

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 7

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 8

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 9

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 10

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 11

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 12

The Dexter Nev-R-Adjust electric trailer brakes can be manually adjusted. There are a couple teeth of the adjustment wheel that are exposed just under the lever that you referenced. I have attached a photo showing the teeth. You will likely need a…

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Installing an Electric Trailer Brake Controller on a 2011 Honda Pilot

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