How to Install a Brake Controller in a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Question:

I have a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee is there a Quick Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers or do I have to manually wire it to the battery. Thanks

asked by: Charles

Expert Reply:

If your 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee did not come with the factory tow package that would have included a 7-Way trailer connector at the rear of the vehicle, you will need to hard wire the vehicle for installation of a brake controller and 7-Way connector. It sounds like this is the case for your vehicle, so there will not be a working connector under the hood or at the rear of the vehicle for installation of a brake controller and 7-way harness.

The items you need are a Working 4-Way connector, item # C55369, if you do not already have one. A brake controller wiring installation kit, item # ETBC7, and a brake controller of your choice. I would recommend the Prodigy P2, item # 90885 for your Grand Cherokee.

We have detailed instructions for installation of a brake controller with the # ETBC7 wiring kit, see link, and we have a video installation of this kit and the Prodigy P2 on a 2010 Dodge Nitro for you to review. The installation will be very similar on your Grand Cherokee. When testing for the brake light signal at the brake pedal switch, be sure to find the wire with a signal only when the brake pedal is pressed.

If you have a factory 7-way you will still need to hardwire the brake controller to it. For a wiring kit to install the brake controller and the 7-way adapter you would want the Wiring Kit for 2 and 4 Brake Electric Brake Controllers # 5506. This will provide the power source and ground for the wiring for the brake controller. You will need to test the wires from the brake pedal switch of your vehicle to find a circuit that has voltage when the brakes are applied and none when not applied. This will be the circuit you will run the red wire to.

Finally you will need to run a length of 10 gauge wire (part # 10-1-1) from the brake output circuit of the controller to the brake output circuit of the 7-way (blue wire). The # 10-1-1 is sold by the foot so you will need to order a quantity of the amount of feet you will need.