Installing Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller # 90195 On 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Without Tow Package

Question:

I am planning to install a P3 brake controller and 7-Way connector on a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The vehicle does not have a factory installed tow package. However, in a wiring harness under the dash there is a blue wire with a tag that reads Electric Brake. This is not the wire from the brake switch as there is no voltage when the brake pedal is depressed. I am assuming that this wire goes to that back of vehicle for use with factory installed tow packages. Do you know where I can find this wire in the rear so that I might attach it to the 7-Way connector? Would the brake switch wire on a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee also be a white wire with a tan stripe? Thanks...

asked by: Michael

Expert Reply:

On the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee without a factory tow package and no 7-way connector at the rear of the vehicle, the blue wire you have found may or may not run all the way to the rear of the vehicle. The wires needed to install a brake controller on your vehicle are not always available and sometimes if the wires are available they are not easy to find.

The easiest way to install the Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller # 90195 to your 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee is with the Brake Controller 7 & 4 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. It does require a 4-way trailer connector like the Tow Ready T-One Wiring Harness # 118349 at the rear of your vehicle.

The T-One wiring harness will plug into the back of the taillights and a separate wire is run to the positive post of the vehicles battery. I am including a video link that will show this harness being installed on a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The # ETBC7 Installation Kit, comes with a new 7-Way and 4-Way connector which will plug into the new 4-way trailer connector on the rear of your vehicle. The 4 remaining wires will be hardwired to the vehicle. I am including a link to detailed instructions on how to install the # ETBC7 kit on your vehicle. It will show where the four remaining wires will connect.

I am also including a video link that will show a Tekonsha brake controller and ETBC7 kit being installed on a 2003 Chevrolet Express Van. The vehicle is different but the wiring principle is the same.