Installing a 7-Way Trailer Connector and Brake Controller on a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
Question:
I have a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder with factory trailer hitch and 4-way connector. I need to install a brake controller looking at part 5504-20266 and a 7 way wiring connector. What parts should I order to make installation as easy as possible ? The brake controller indicates it just plugs in under the dash so I guess I need a 7 way wiring connector that is also easy to install with this particular vehicle. All help would be appreciated. thanks
asked by: Steve H
Expert Reply:
We do have a wiring harness that would be a great fit for your 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. You will need a 4 and 7 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. Your existing 4-Way will plug into the back of the ETBC7. There will then be 4 wires left to hardwire.
The white wire gets connected to the vehicle frame. The black and blue wires get connected to the duplex cable and routed under the vehicle, avoiding areas that may pinch or burn the wires, into the engine compartment. The last wire is for reverse lights if the trailer you plan to tow has them. It will get connected to a reverse light wire behind one of the tail lights, or, if not needed, it can be taped up and stowed out of the way.
If your Pathfinder has the port for the brake controller wiring harness located under the dash near the emergency brake pedal, you will need to find where those wires terminate to connect the blue wire. Otherwise, you will hardwire the blue wire from the ETBC7 to the blue wire coming out of the back of the brake controller. The other wires from the harness will attach via the plug.
Under the hood, the black wire connects to the positive battery terminal via a 40 amp circuit breaker. The other wire gets routed through the fire wall and connects to the blue wire on the brake controller as explained above.
If the other brake controller wires have to be hardwired for any reason, I will explain the process. You will use the extra wire left over from the duplex cable. The white wire from the brake controller will get routed through the fire wall and attach to the negative battery terminal. The black wire on the brake controller will get routed through the fire wall and attach to the positive battery terminal via a 20 or 30 amp circuit breaker (see brake controller instructions for which size to use).
For the red wire, you will need to use a circuit tester, like # PTW2993, to probe the wires on the brake switch located above the brake pedal. You will need the wire that shows a signal ONLY when the the brake pedal is pressed. This wire will connect to the brake controller red wire. I have included a link to an FAQ on installing a brake controller that should help.
Products Referenced in This Question
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
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