Is Brake Switch Difficult to Get to on a 2013 BMW X3 to Install a Brake Controller
Question:
I purchased the Tekonsha P3 a few daws ago. I asked the guy who put in our hitch and 7-way wiring, how much to add in this controller. He quoted $510 includes 5 hours of labor. He said BMW and other luxury cars are quite complicated wiring the stop switch signal. As a 30-year electrical engineer who is just now learning about proportional electric brake controllers, I thought this controller was just an inertial sensor with a single dimension accelerometer roll and yaw fixed to car that supplies 0-15 volts proportionally to a pin in the 7-way connector. Also, to keep from activating the signal prematurely decelerating when coming to a hill, decelerating when lifting foot temporarily off brake, etc. it needs a enable signal only if brakes are applied even when the cruise control does it for you. Isnt the enable signal stop switch a 12volt on/off signal that can come something simple like the tail lights?
asked by: John P
Helpful Expert Reply:
Brakes controllers, whether they are time delay or proportional, require an input signal from a dedicated brake light only circuit. The mechanic is correct in that the brake light switch wire is very difficult to access on BMWs. But any brake light only circuit such as a CHMSL (center high mount stop lamp) could be used.
A tail light cannot be used on your 2013 BMW X3 because it has a multiplex wiring system that carriers multiple circuits on a single wire. In that case, if the brake lights are on the same wire as the running lights or turn signals the brake controller would activate the trailer brakes when the headlights are on or a turn signal is used as well as when the brakes are applied.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Rear View Safety Wireless Hitch Camera Manufacturer Demo
- Search Results: prodigy rf brake controller
- Search Results: i26
- Search Results: tk94fr
- Search Results: prodigy rf
- Search Results: tekonsha rf brake controller
- Q&A: Correct Wiring Harness for 2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i
- Shop: Curt LED 4-Way Flat Connector (Vehicle End) Tester
- Shop: Rear View Safety Third Brake Light with Camera
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Rear View Safety Rear View Mirror with Monitor - 4.3" Display
- Shop: Tuson DirecLink Base Model Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional
- Shop: Rear View Safety Wireless Hitch Camera
- Search Results: brake controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Tow Ready 4-Pole Mounting Bracket Installation
- Q&A: My Vehicle has a 4-Pin Trailer Plug, but Trailer has 7-Pin Trailer Plug
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Review RED24FR
on Trailer Brake Controller
