Installing a Brake Controller from Scratch on a 2003 Toyota Tacoma  

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To install a brake controller on your 2003 Toyota Tacoma, you will need 3 things. First, you will need a brake controller. There are many to choose from in basically two different categories; time delay and proportional. The biggest difference between the two is that time delay controls will brake the same amount in every braking situation. Proportional controllers brake in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking which leads to less brake wear and better braking. I have included a link below to an FAQ article on brake controllers.

I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Proportional Controller, # 90885. It is the newest version of the popular Prodigy series. This is an easy to use and function rich brake controller. It is self-adjusting to varying terrain, has a continuous diagnostic check feature, and only draws 3.6 milliamps when not in use to reduce battery drain. I have included a link to the installation details below.

To install the brake controller, you will first need to install Draw-Tite Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, # 118379. This is a T-One style harness that plugs in line with your Tacoma taillights. I have included a link to the installation details and a video installation on a similar vehicle below.

With the 4-Way installed, you can then install the 4 and 7-Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. Plug the 4-Way you previously installed into the back of the ETBC7. There will be 4 wires left to connect: blue, black, white, and purple (sometimes yellow). First, attach the white wire to the vehicle frame. Using a circuit tester like # PTW2993 find the wire for the Tacoma reverse lights and attach this wire to the purple (or yellow) wire. Using the included duplex cable, attach the black wire in the cable to the black wire on the ETBC7 and attach the white wire in the cable to the blue wire on the ETBC7. Next, route the duplex cable under the truck, up through the engine compartment, and over near the battery. Be sure to avoid areas that might pinch or burn the wires.

Under the hood, mount a 40 amp breaker. Attach the black wire to the silver post on the breaker. Next, run a length of wire from the other post to the positive battery terminal. Route the white wire from the duplex cable through the firewall and over to where you plan to mount the brake controller. This wire attaches to the brake controller blue wire. Inside the cab, mount the brake controller.

Attach a length of wire to the black wire on the brake controller and another length of wire to the white wire on the brake controller (you will have left over wire from the duplex cable). First route the wire connected to the brake controller black wire. Attach it to a 20 or 30 amp breaker (see brake controller instructions for which size to use), and then to the positive battery terminal. Next, route the brake controller white wire through the firewall and attach it to the negative battery terminal.

Back in the cab, there is one remaining connection. Using the circuit tester, find the wire on the brake switch above the brake pedal that carriers a signal ONLY when the brake pedal is pressed. If you find a wire that carries a signal at any other time (like with the blinkers or headlights on) it is not the correct wire. Once the connections are made tie up and conceal any loose wires and installation is complete.

I have included a link to an FAQ article on installing a brake controller from scratch and a video showing installation of an ETBC7 kit that will help with the installation.

expert reply by: Michael H

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