How to Locate the Brake Switch Wire on a 2012 Ford Escape to Install a Trailer Brake Controller

Updated 04/25/2013 | Published 08/21/2012

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Question:

could someone tell me where do I find, the wire color and location, where do I have to plug the red wire of my tekonsha p3

asked by: Yannick

Expert Reply:

In order to find the correct wire to connect to the brake controller red wire on your 2012 Ford Escape, you will need to use a circuit tester, like # PTW2993 if needed. You will need to probe the wires with the tester on the brake switch located above the brake pedal.

You want the wire that shows a signal only when the brake pedal is pressed. If you find a wire that also shows a signal when the turn signals or headlights are on it is not the correct wire. I have included an FAQ link that should help.

expert reply by: Michael H

Jim E.

4/20/2013

On my 2010 Escape the brake switch has four leads which are color coded. Which color wire is the cold side for interface with the trailer brake controller? I have been led to believe that two of the four wires are for the cruise control over ride. I could do the meter test route but thought some one might know the wire color.

Patrick B.

4/25/2013

It would be best to meter test. Usually wire colors do not change, but they can. The OEMs will not stop production if they run out of one color wire, so we have seen several different colors at times on the same year, make and model, just different build days. Remember, you want the circuit that is only hot with the brake pedal pressed.