Brake Light Switch Connection for Brake Controller Installation in 2018 Honda Odyssey

Question:

I have a 2018 Honda Odyssey EX -L and I want to connect the red brake controller wire to the stop light switch, but there are four different colors: Yellow, purple, Green and Red. Which one do I splice into for the non-powered stop light bulbs? Thanks

asked by: Fred W

Expert Reply:

Wire colors are not always used consistently by auto makers so it is best to use a tester like # PTW2992 to help you find which wire at your Odyssey's brake light switch is the COLD side, the wire that carries power ONLY when your foot is on the pedal and at no other time. This is the correct vehicle wire to connect to the RED input signal wire of your brake controller.

The good news is that all brake controllers, such as the Prodigy # 90195, DO use a standardized wiring color scheme for their 4 wire leads. BLACK wire brings +12V operating power to the controller from the vehicle battery; WHITE wire grounds to the chassis or battery: the BLUE wire carries the controller output to the 7-way trailer socket; and the RED wire accepts the triggering brake light switch signal that tells the controller to generate output power for the trailer brakes.

Several helpful articles and a video showing use of the tester are linked for your reference.

expert reply by: Adam R