How To Install Brake Controller On 2018 Jeep JL Without Access To Cold Side Of Brake Switch

Published 02/26/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(1915)

$289.95

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

(3550)

$118.67

7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires

(394)

$91.91

Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit

(702)

$63.78

Question:

no cold side to brake switch heard about BCM harness for pulling cold side or from third tail light, and info to shed on the subject2018 Jeep JL Wrangler

asked by: Collin

Expert Reply:

If the 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler has a factory tow package you can just use a Tekonsha Brake Controller p3 part # 90195 with a brake controller harness part # 3073-P to install a brake controller in the Jeep. The harness will plug into a port under the dash and you will not need to worry about hard wiring to the cold side of the brake switch.

If your 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler did not come with a factory tow package, you can install a brake controller two different ways. The easiest way is to use the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller part # C51180 and a 7-Way upgrade kit part # ETBC7L. This is the way I recommend because it is the most convenient install. The Curt Echo is a wireless controller that plugs in line with the 7-way plug and allows you to control the brake settings via an Apple Smart Phone with an operating system 8.0-newer or an Android phone with operating system 4.4-newer. The Curt Echo only requires an active 12V circuit from the 7-way to operate so you won't need to tap into the brake switch. The ETBC7L kit comes with the 7-Way plug that has a pigtail for your existing 4-way to plug into, a circuit breaker to extend the black wire to the Jeep's battery for powering the 12V circuit and you will need to ground the white wire.

If you do not have a 4-way, I recommend Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part # C56407.

Otherwise, if you would like to use a more traditional brake controller (like the Tekonsha P3 I mentioned earlier) in a Jeep without the factory towing package, you will need to install Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit part # RM-751490 before you can install the brake controller with the kit part # ETBC7 that comes with a 7-way plug. I have attached a diagram of that install. The cold side of the brake switch is impossible to reach so you would need to install the stop light switch.