Installing Brake Controller on 2011 Jeep Liberty With Factory 7-Way Connector

Published 03/24/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Wiring Kit for 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brake Electric Trailer Brake Controllers

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$57.18

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

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$14.36

Quick Splices - Self-Stripping Connector - Closed Port - 18-22 Gauge - Red - Qty 1

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Question:

I have a 2011 Jeep Liberty with factory tow package and a 7 pin connector. I just bought a camper and need to install a trailer brake controller. Is this model jeep pre-wired for this? Also we will be traveling quite a bit in the camper, is there a controller designed for long travel or does it not matter? Thanks!

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

Is the 7-way factory installed? If so, it'll say MOPAR on the spring loaded cover for the 7-way socket.

If so, Jeep kind of prewired the vehicle by running the brake output circuit from the 7-way up to the passenger cab and terminating it under the dash, usually behind and above the e-brake pedal. You'll be looking for a coiled blue or light green wire that might have a tag affixed to it that reads 'trailer brake'. Sometimes the wire is located under the carpet in this area or behind the kick panel.

To install the controller, you'll need a # 5506 install kit which would install as shown in the linked video.

For a brake controller, the Tekonsha Primus, part # TK90160 would be an excellent, reasonably priced option which is fine for extensive (or very little) use. The controller incudes a universal pigtail that would install as follows:

• Blue pigtail wire to brake output circuit wire found under the dash
• Black pigtail wire to positive battery terminal, using wire, hardware and 20A breaker included in # 5506 kit
• White pigtail wire to negative battery terminal using wire and hardware from kit
• Red pigtail wire to cold side of brake stop lamp switch

The brake stop lamp switch is located at the top of the brake pedal. It'll have several wires coming off of it, use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to locate the wire that only shows power with the brake pedal pressed. Mopar usually uses a white wire with tan stripes, but you'll want to test to confirm. Use a # SWC502885-1 connector to tap that red wire into the stop lamp wire you located using the tester.