Hardwiring a Brake Controller on a 2006 Kia Sorento with Tow Package  

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To install the Tekonsha P2 Brake Controller, # 90885, on your 2006 Kia Sorento, you will need a 7 and 4 way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. You will also need Curt Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, # C55550, if you do not already have a 4-Flat connection at the rear of the vehicle. The 2006 Kia Sorento is not set up for a plug and play installation.

Installation is fairly simple. Start with the Curt Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, # C55550. If you have a 4-Way already, you can skip this step. Installation for this harness is simple. You will simply plug in the connector on the harness with the matching connector on your vehicle. The connection point is located on the passenger side, underneath the vehicle, behind the bumper. I have included a link to the installation details and a video below.

After installing the 4-Way, you will install the ETBC7. Start by plugging the 4-Way connector into the ETBC7. Next, attach the white ground wire to an existing ground point or the vehicle frame. The purple wire attaches to the wire for the reverse lights on the vehicle. Using the included circuit tester, find the wire behind the taillight assembly that carries a signal when the reverse lights are on and attach it to the purple wire.

Next, connect the black wire on the harness to the black wire in the included duplex cable. Connect the blue wire on the harness to the white wire on the cable. Then, you will route the duplex cable under the vehicle to the engine compartment. Be sure to avoid areas that might pinch or burn the wires. Next, mount the brake controller in the cab where you will have easy access to it using the bracket and screws provided.

Next is to make the connections from the brake controller to the vehicle. On the duplex cable, now under the hood, separate the white brake wire from the 12-volt black wire. The white wire gets routed through the firewall, under the dash, into the vehicle. This wire connects to the blue wire from the brake controller. The black wire gets connected to the positive battery terminal via a 40 amp circuit breaker. Mount the circuit breakers under the hood or dash then route the black hot lead to the 40 amp breaker via ring terminals, and then to the positive battery terminal.

The black wire on the brake controller connects to a 20 or 30 amp circuit breaker (see the brake controller instructions for which circuit breaker to use) and then to the positive battery terminal. Route the brake controller white wire to the negative battery terminal. From the wires connected to the brake switch at the top of the brake pedal, use the circuit tester to find the wire carrying a signal only when the brake pedal is engaged. Connect that wire to the brake controller red wire.

I have included an FAQ on wiring a brake controller from scratch that contains a little more detail.

expert reply by: Michael H

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