How To Attach Red Wire On Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller To 2012 Toyota Highlander

Updated 07/29/2021 | Published 07/27/2021

Question:

I installed the controller near the battery in the rear of a 2012 Toyota Highlander. Can I use the a brake light wire to tap the signal for the red wire on the controller. Does the Highlander have any electronics that prevent this from working? I understand, that the red wire is not only an input to the controller, but the controller may also drive a signal to turn the break lights on. What I dont know is if the Highlander uses relays or electronic switches after the paddle operated switch to drive the lights. Having not to run a wire from the back of the vehicle to the front would make the last few connections easier.

asked by: Steffen L

Expert Reply:

In order to obtain the stop light signal for the 2012 Toyota Highlander you have a few different options. The best way to obtain the signal is to splice into the cold side of the brake pedal. The other option is to splice into the third brake light but this requires running a wire from the rear of the vehicle to the front where the controller should be located. The Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller part # RED44FR needs to be within reach of the driver for proper operation per Redarc.

expert reply by: Conner L