Trailer Brake Controllers Explained

[pw03xlt]

2003 trl brake controller

does anyone know what the plug under the dash looks like for the the brake controller harness on an 03 explorer xlt

 

[Wills05xlt4x4]

I've also been looking on my 05. I have the tow package and the six pin connector with no clue where it plugs in...
Edit-after reading paper with harness in 04-05 it is behind the glove box torwards the radio...

 

[rollinstone]

Under dash connector

I've got the full tow package for my Ex and no where can be found the so-called 6 or 7-pin brake connector under the driver's side dash.

That said, I did find a 13-pin female connector with multi-colored wiring...blue, purple, black, yellow, red, red w/ white stripe...etc...not plugged into anything.

This can't be what I'm looking for, is it?

 

[Wills05xlt4x4]

I found mine behind the glovebox, up to the left... Remember there's a blank plugged in it

 

[rollinstone]

Not in the '97...just looked.

 

[Albino 94LTD]

2003 Lincoln Aviator

On the Aviator, it's above the gas pedal.

The paper that came with the plug indicated it was above the glove box but it sn't

 

[jmden]

Not in the '97...just looked.

Where is it in the 1997? I'm just starting to look. Have towing package...

 

[JoePop]

Does anyone have a 2012 Explorer who has installed a P3 controller? In October 2011 when I ordered this vehicle I included the factory trailer harness (7 and 4 wire) along with the Class III hitch anticipating pulling a small trailer.

Now for my issue, I understand that the factory wiring harness has a connector for the brake controller somewhere under the dash. Some tell me its near the left side, some near the center console and some near the right passenger side. Does any one know exactly where the factory trailer wiring harness connector is located under the dash in a 2012 Explorer Limited 4WD?

I have remove the lower panel under the steering wheel and tried to find it. No joy. I pulled the side step over plate and the carpeting on the right passenger side (where the major wiring harness is located) and couldn't find it. Some information said it is located near the radio in the console.

I am hoping that a forum member can help me before I resort to going to my Ford dealer to have him connect up the cable (p/n 3035) I purchased from Teknosha along with the P3 brake controller.

Thanks, Joe

 

[JoePop]

Good Info on Brake Controller: Found My Pig Tail for Factory Wiring

Last week I posted a note on locating the factory brake controller pig tail on my 2012 Explorer. Well after searching for it I finally decided to go to the local Ford Dealer and ask. They were sympathetic and the Service Advisor looked at my vehicle and said "I think it is located in the center console stack where the radio is just behind the left hand panel. The dealer was booked up and couldn't assign a tech to find it. I ask him if there was a local place that could help me. He send me to H&H Truck and Accessories in Pelham, Alabama as they install hitches, controller, etc.
I went there and asked if they could find the pig tail for me. One of their mechanics found it in about 2 minutes. It was located above the parking brake on the left of the drivers side. Not where the Ford dealer said.

So for all of those who have a 2012 Explorer with the factory towing package, the pig tail is located above the parking brake. H&H didn't even have to remove the panel below the steering wheel or the panel on the left side where the headlight control is located. He just reached up and found it. Guess he has done this several times. It took only a minute to plug in the wiring harness (Teknosha p/n 3035-P) to the female plug in the vehicle and the to the P3 controller which I mounted just forward of the drivers right knee, where many have mounted brake controllers.

Now I am ready to hitch up my camper and set all the options on the P3 and enjoy safe trailering.

Joe

 

[traveler]

I didn't have the issues installing the controller that many of you did. The dealer installed it as part of my purchase of the camper. Its a Tekonsha(sp?) voyager.

I am going to have to mount the plug inside the bumper as MountaineerGreen did however. The techs mounted in in a bracket that is attached to the bottom of my receiver.. and the receiver is lower than I like! So... what would be the best way to make that hole? A hole saw made for a wooden door? or using a die grinder?

Got it done. Hole saw worked great. thanks for the inspiration.

 

[traveler]

The more I read this thread, and the more I see Brake Controllers mentioned in other threads the more I decided this should be stickied. Its good info.

 

[jwb7605]

Good Info on Brake Controller: Found My Pig Tail for Factory Wiring

Last week I posted a note on locating the factory brake controller pig tail on my 2012 Explorer. Well after searching for it I finally decided to go to the local Ford Dealer and ask. They were sympathetic and the Service Advisor looked at my vehicle and said "I think it is located in the center console stack where the radio is just behind the left hand panel. The dealer was booked up and couldn't assign a tech to find it. I ask him if there was a local place that could help me. He send me to H&H Truck and Accessories in Pelham, Alabama as they install hitches, controller, etc.
I went there and asked if they could find the pig tail for me. One of their mechanics found it in about 2 minutes. It was located above the parking brake on the left of the drivers side. Not where the Ford dealer said.

So for all of those who have a 2012 Explorer with the factory towing package, the pig tail is located above the parking brake. H&H didn't even have to remove the panel below the steering wheel or the panel on the left side where the headlight control is located. He just reached up and found it. Guess he has done this several times. It took only a minute to plug in the wiring harness (Teknosha p/n 3035-P) to the female plug in the vehicle and the to the P3 controller which I mounted just forward of the drivers right knee, where many have mounted brake controllers.

Now I am ready to hitch up my camper and set all the options on the P3 and enjoy safe trailering.

Joe

Wow. You took all the sport out of me trying to ask the same exact thing!
I'm looking for a PLUG, and not just a wiring harness?

 

[CoopakayakWI]

Hi, I have a 2006 Explorer Limited with the tow package. I’m planning on purchasing the Tekonsha Prodigy 3 brake controller off Amazon. Does anyone know the correct wire adapter to for the brake controller to connect to the 2006 Explorer?

I’ve never installed a brake controller before. Is it just plug in, mount the brake controller, check settings and go?

Thanks for any help, advice, suggestions,etc. I’ve posted the link to the brake controller I plan to purchase below.



Tekonsha 90195 P3 Electronic Brake Control https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000P17NXQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9OZzDbM5ATMXM

 

[traveler]

I believe that if your truck has the factory installed tow package, then all you need to do is look for a pigtail with a tekonsha plug on one end and a Ford plug in the other end. I'd see if you can get one from tekonsha. Then find the Ford plug under the dash and plug it in.

 

[Campnham]

once you get the pigtail, if i remember correctly, the plug on the explorer is under the dash by the emergency brake on the 4th gen. it's not that hard to see..

 

[rxinhed]

Good evening, all.

I'm looking to install a brake controller on my 97 Mountaineer that I've not found specific discussion about. However, this is the right section.

I don't care to install an underdash unit like a Tekonsha or similar. However, there's a nifty little guy that would have the controls fit though the cigarette lighter hole and the electronics behind the dash:

Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional Redarc Brake Controller

Has anyone experimented with or seen this unit?

Thanks,
Russell

 

[traveler]

I've seen them advertised and seen write ups in trailer Life magazine, though I've never used them. It seems to be a pretty good unit.