Just need to install the brake controll.... but how?

[PD]

My explorer comes with the heavy duty tow package... I have hooked up my trailer and the lights work (so I know I'm all set on that end), all I need to do is hook up the brake control, and that's where I need a bit of help. I see all sorts of wires under the glove box, but which do I need? Does anyone have some pics or links (and easy directions!) that could help me out? Thanks in advance!

 

[rjh8115]

What year is your Explorer?

 

[PD]

2002

 

[greger]

your probally have jsut a plug and play i that truck..most of the new cars will have a plug in right under your dash by the steering wheel where you will jsut plug in the brake controler..if your truck came with a 7 way installed witch i would imagine it did..that should be the situation.

 

[gijoecam]

Connector C239 is where you would plug in the controller. It's listed as being located 'Under Dash Panel, RH Side' for both the early and late build. Flip the glove box door down and out of the way, and it should be right there. IIRC, it's about an inch by 3/4 square.

If you're using a Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller, they sell a harness that's literally plug-and-play for about $12. If you're not using a Tekonsha Prodigy.... you should be. There is none better IMHO.

 

[91exploreron37]

your probally have jsut a plug and play i that truck..most of the new cars will have a plug in right under your dash by the steering wheel where you will jsut plug in the brake controler..if your truck came with a 7 way installed witch i would imagine it did..that should be the situation.

The plug under the steering wheel will probably be where you plug in a scan tool

 

[gijoecam]

The plug under the steering wheel will probably be where you plug in a scan tool

Uuuh, no. The trailer tow connector is not the same as the diagnostic port connector. Completely different connection in a completely different location.

-Joe

 

[91exploreron37]

Ummm gijoecam I believe you have misread my statement, I was telling greger that the plug he was refering to is where you plug in your scan tool(diagnostic port).

 

[gijoecam]

Ummm gijoecam I believe you have misread my statement, I was telling greger that the plug he was refering to is where you plug in your scan tool(diagnostic port).

LOL! Sure did! I was off 180 degrees... I read it and thought you were telling him to plug it in there, not telling him what it was... LOL!! I've gotta quit checking these boards before I'm awake in the morning!!

 

[dinanm3atl]

Connector C239 is where you would plug in the controller. It's listed as being located 'Under Dash Panel, RH Side' for both the early and late build. Flip the glove box door down and out of the way, and it should be right there. IIRC, it's about an inch by 3/4 square.

If you're using a Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller, they sell a harness that's literally plug-and-play for about $12. If you're not using a Tekonsha Prodigy.... you should be. There is none better IMHO.

This holds true for a 2001?

Prodigy and plug and play is waiting in garage

 

[gijoecam]

This holds true for a 2001?

Prodigy and plug and play is waiting in garage

Nope. AFAIK, 2001 does not have the OEM trailer wiring, except for the lights. It's not wired for a brake controller (last I checked).

-Joe

 

[dinanm3atl]

Nope. AFAIK, 2001 does not have the OEM trailer wiring, except for the lights. It's not wired for a brake controller (last I checked).

-Joe

That is what I am finding. Guess Thursday night I bring it in the shop and hardwire it.

 

[Melon]

I haven't looked too difficult behind the glove box.. but I think it's retarded that it's there. That's Ford engineers tho I've got the Prodigy controller - but need to extend the harness so it can reach on the drivers side.

-Melon

 

[justchecking]

For my 2002 XLT, it was at the upper left of the glove box opening. The connector was taped up with black tape to another harness toward the top of the dash and difficult to see. (I verified I had the correct wiring because the brake control relay was installed.) I used a Tekonsha 3035-P cable from there to my Tekonsha P3 brake controller. There is a small area just over the transmission tunnel up by the firewall to route the cable over to the drivers side.

(Also the glove box lid is easy to open, just push in a bit on the sides to clear the stops and it will rotate right out of the opening.)

I have a picture of the cable connected to the Ford connector I could send if you still have trouble finding it.

 

[FordLover]

mine was the exact same process as listed above, factory harness just as described.. I just hated putting holes in the factory trim under the steering wheel to mount the controler.

 

[TJFoxx]

I have a '98 XLT with factory towing. Do I have the plug, or will I just waste my time looking for it?