Installing a Brake Controller on a 2012 Cadillac SRX with Tow Package

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Question:

I have a 2012 cadillac srx with a 3.6 liter engine. I purchased this vehicle used and it has a factory installed tow package with the flat 5 pin connector. I realize that the bcm under the dash does have a place to connect the brake control wire. my question would be because my car came with factory installed package would there be an easier place to connect the brake control wire for the proportional brake controller ?

asked by: Tom

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Expert Reply:

When installing a proportional brake controller, like the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195, the wiring (or connector) that you will need to connect to is typically under the driver side dash as you found. Because of this, brake controllers are usually installed either under the steering column or in the center control panel if there is a way to do so.

There is no specific place that a brake controller has to be installed, just as long as the wiring can reach where it needs to and that it is in an easy-to-access location for the driver.

I am curious as to what functions you have on your 5-Way. Normally on a 5-Way you see the left turn/brake, right turn/brake, tail, ground, and then the 5th is reverse. You will want to check that to make sure that your brake controller will actually be sending power back to the connector. You can do this by setting your brake controller to the highest setting and then using the manual override lever. If nothing happens then you will need a connector that will run a signal to your brake controller.

If you install the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7, you can cut off the included 4-Way and hardwire it to the functions on your 5-Way by cutting that connector off as well. This kit also comes with wire that can be run to the battery for 12V power for your trailer, and to the brake controller to activate the trailer brakes. Since your 2012 Cadillac SRX came with the tow package and there is wiring for the brake controller you may find some wiring already run from the cab to the rear of the vehicle that carries the 12V and brake controller signal.

Also, sometimes a few additional connections need to be made for the brake controller and 12V power to work properly. These will typically be ring terminals under the hood that need to be connected to the battery for power.

I have attached a few helpful articles that you can reference for the installation.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Answer 1

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more…

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Answer 4

Either way is correct. It depends on if you want to keep the semi-style 7-Way (if you need to tow that type of trailer) or if you will never be towing a semi-trailer. If you need to keep the 7-Way semi active on the truck, then you would need to make…

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Answer 5

The trailer brakes work on a separate circuit than the lights. You have a couple of options to control the electric brakes on the trailer. One option is to use an air over electric brake control, #HA100400C. This unit connects to the air brakes on…

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Answer 6

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 7

The best brake controller option to go with is one that activates the brakes proportionally instead of time delayed. A proportional brake controller will activate the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity as the tow vehicle…

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Answer 8

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 9

Trailer wiring generally uses 16 gauge wire, part #16-1-1. However, with a long trailer like yours you may want to go with a larger like 14 gauge #DW07550-1 or even 12 gauge #12-1-1. Each size is sold by the foot. You will need to have the lights at…

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Answer 10

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 11

If you have a vehicle specific wiring harness for a brake controller then that would indicate that you have a factory tow package and subsequently would already have a 7-way at the back of your vehicle. The universal 7-way connector #ETBC7 is meant…

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Answer 12

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Installing a Brake Controller on a 2012 Cadillac SRX with Tow Package

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