Installing a Trailer Brake Controller on a 2014 Toyota Tacoma

Published 11/07/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Toyota and Lexus

(1399)

$21.06

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

(159)

$56.26

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2763)

$159.00

Question:

do all tacomas come with this plug pre-wired or just the 6 cylinder trucks, i have a 2014 tacoma with 4 cylinder no factory tow setup would like to hook up a electric brake controller to use the 7 pin plug. tow hitch installed with a 7 pin and 4 blade wire harness already installed but would like to add the electric brakes for future use

asked by: Steven S

Expert Reply:

If your 2014 Toyota Tacoma came with a factory installed 7-Way trailer connector then the plug-in for a brake controller should be there. Harness # 3040-P is the correct one for your truck and a Tekonsha brake controller. I recommend the P2 # 90885 because it is easy to set up and use and it is reliable.

I have linked a video to the right that shows where the controller plugs in. This adapter plugs into the 5-pin connector on your vehicle's built-in brake control wiring harness. The harness is located underneath the dash, to the left of the steering column, taped to another harness near the emergency brake pedal.

If the 7-Way is not factory installed then you will need to hardwire in a brake controller using installation kit # 5506.

The kit comes with some wire. You will need to attach one end to the blue brake controller wire and then route the other end to the back of the 7-Way and attach it to the pin in the 7 oclock position. The white and black brake controller wires will have to go through the firewall.

White is the ground and needs to be attached to the negative battery terminal. Black is 12 volt power in and will go first to the AUX post of the included circuit breaker that comes with # 5506, then attach a length of wire from the BAT post on the circuit breaker to the positive battery terminal.

That just leaves the red brake controller wire. You will need a circuit tester such as # 40376. Test the brake switch wires located above the brake pedal until you find the one that only has power with the brake pedal pressed. If it shows power with the headlights or turn signals on it is not the correct wire.

I have included some links to the right that will help with a hardwire installation.