Is the Four Pin Brake Controller Connector Installed Under the Dash on All 2004 Ford Explorers

Question:

The instructions say this connector will plug in to the mating factory under-dash mounted connector on 2000-08 Ford Explorers. Is that factory connector on all those vehicles or just ones with special towing packages? I have a 2004 Explorer. I know it has a 4-pin tow connector at the rear.

asked by: Matt

Expert Reply:

The Hopkins Plug-in Simple Brake Wiring Adapter - Ford, item # HM47715, will only work on Ford Explorers that have the factory installed 7-Way connector at the rear of the vehicle. Since your vehicle has a 4-Way flat connector at the rear of the vehicle you will need to do some extra wiring to install a brake controller.

The easiest way to wire a brake controller on your Explorer is to use a brake controller installation kit, item # ETBC7. You will need to plug the connector into the connector on the adapter included with the ETBC7 kit, and then run wiring for the brake controller and power wires to the front of the vehicle.

I would recommend the Prodigy P2 brake controller, item # 90885, for your application. Wiring for the brake controller is as follows:

White wire goes to suitable vehicle ground such as the negative battery terminal.
Blue wire goes to the blue wire on the 7-Way connector at the rear of the vehicle and is the brake feed.
Red wire goes to the stop light switch wire, that goes hot only when the brakes are applied, behind the brake pedal switch under the dash.
Black wire goes to the positive battery terminal through the 20 amp circuit breaker.

Finally, the 12 volt power wire for accessories on the trailer is wired from the vehicle battery to the black wire on the 7-Way connector at the rear of the vehicle. A 40 amp inline circuit breaker is used to protect this circuit.

I have provided a link to detailed installation instructions for you to review below.