Installing an Electric Trailer Brake Controller from Scratch on a 2009 Kia Sedona

Question:

I am buying a camper, and need to install a hitch. I would like to know, if i put in a brake controller, what kit do i need for the brake lights? Is there anything else i would need? Thanks

asked by: Rudy S

Expert Reply:

To install the Tekonsha P-3 Trailer Brake Controller, # 90195, on your 2009 Kia Sedona, there are a couple of wiring harnesses you will need. First, if the vehicle does not already have a 4-Way flat trailer connector, you will need to install Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, # 118410. I have included a link to the installation details and a video showing a typical installation for reference.

With the 4-Way installed you would then need a 7 and 4 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. This will provide a 7-Way trailer connection at the rear of the vehicle for all of the lights, brakes, and power to the trailer. The 4-Way previously installed plugs into the back of the ETBC7. You then will need to hardwire the remaining 4 wires.

The white wire grounds to the vehicle frame. The blue and black wires will attach to the white and black wires, respectively, of the included duplex cable. The cable will then be ran under the vehicle and the black wire will go into the engine compartment and attach to the positive battery terminal via a 40 amp circuit breaker. The white white wire will attach to the brake controller blue wire in the cab of the vehicle. The remaining wire on the ETBC7 will attach to the reverse light wire behind one of the tail lights.

The brake controller white wire will attach to the negative battery terminal. You will use left over wire from the duplex cable. The black wire on the brake controller will 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 last wire (red) you will need a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to find the correct wire on the cold side of the brake switch located above the brake pedal. You will probe the wires until you find the one that carries a signal ONLY when the brake pedal is pressed. Connect this wire to the brake controller red wire and installation is complete.

I have included a link to our FAQ on installing a brake controller from scratch that explains installing a brake controller and ETBC7 in greater detail. I have also included a link to a video showing the installation of an ETBC7 kit.