Identifying Correct Brake Light Signal Wire for Brake Controller Installation on 2009 Toyota RAV4

Question:

Im installing brake controller 90885 on 2009 RAV4 using your excellent video of 2011 RAV4. Im unable to find the small brake switch connector thats shown in the video up toward the firewall area. Instead, the wires from the brake switch run to a much larger connector that also includes other wiring as well, and it doesnt appear to be detachable. However, the connector that plugs directly into the top of the brake switch is accessible, and Ive verified, using the circuit tester that came with ETBC7, that the blue wire carries the brake signal and only lights the tester when the brake is depressed. Im certain that this is simply the other end of the connector shown in the video and I can therefore pull away the sheath and tap into the blue wire to connect the red lead from the brake controller. I just want to be sure that this is correct before I go ahead and do something I shouldnt. It seems pretty straighforward. Thanks.

asked by: Eric J

Helpful Expert Reply:

First, thank you for your purchases and for the opportunity to help.

Auto makers do sometimes change wire colors during a production run and that is why we include the tester in the # ETBC7 brake controller install kit. You did the right thing by testing the wire to verify what signal it carries.

If the blue wire you identified carries a signal ONLY when the brake pedal is pressed and not at any other time, such as when your headlights are on, then it is indeed the brake light signal wire that is to be spliced to the RED input signal wire on the Prodigy # 90885.

expert reply by: Adam R