Installing a Brake Controller, 7-Way and 4-Way Trailer Connector on a 2010 Kia Soul

Question:

I am buying a hitch and wires from etrailer next month for my 2010 Kia Soul. I need a 7 pole round adapter to tow my tear trailer and I wanted to make sure this unit will work for me since I need a 7 pole AND the 4 pole for other towing.

asked by: Bob B

Expert Reply:

If the trailer you plan to tow with your 2010 Kia Soul has a 7-Way connector then it probably has electric brakes or needs 12 volt power for trailer accessories. If it has electric brakes, that would mean you would need a brake controller to utilize all the functions of the 7-Way. To install a 7-Way on the Soul, you would first need to install a 4-Way. The 4-Way for your Soul is the Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, # 118431. I have included a link to a video installation and instructions below.

You would then need to install a 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7, which includes the 37185 that you referenced. 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 a circuit tester, like # PTW2993, 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. I recommend the Tekonsha P2 Brake Controller, # 90885. It is one of our best selling and highest rated controllers. I have included installation details below.

Last is to make the connections to the battery, and 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 article below on wiring a brake controller from scratch that contains a little more detail.

It is important to stay within the limits of your hitch and vehicle. The available hitches for your Soul are Class I hitches capable of 2,000 pounds gross trailer weight. Check your owners manual to determine the towing capacity of your vehicle.