How to Install the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7 on a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas

Question:

Can you walk me through installing part #ETBC7 on my 2018 Volkswagen Atlas? It is incredibly difficult to find good information on these vehicles in regards to adding a brake controller. I currently have the four pin harness installed. What wires do I connect to what and where are these wires located? Also is any reprogramming needed? Thanks in advance!

asked by: Christian S

Expert Reply:

I would be happy tp help you with the installation of the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7 on your 2018 Volkswagen Atlas.

Start off by connecting the 4-Way/7-Way adapter to the 4-Way, like part # 118754, for the basic trailer lighting functions and installing the adapter on your hitch with the included bracket. A no-drill bracket like part # 18140 can be used to easily mount this to your trailer hitch crosstube. After this is done you will use the self-tapping screw to ground the white wire to the frame of your Atlas.

At this point in time you should have 3 remaining wires; a Purple wire (typically wired for reverse lights), a Blue wire (for the brake controller signal), and a Black wire (for the 12V power from your battery). If you plan on using the Purple wire go ahead and connect it to whatever function you plan on using. When that is completed you then need to take the included duplex wire and connect it to the Blue and Black wires. We recommend connecting Black to Black, and Blue to White to help avoid any confusion.

Run the duplex wire up to the engine compartment on your Atlas. Be sure to avoid any places that will get hot or are near moving parts on the underside of your vehicle. If you are able to fish it through the frame of your Atlas this is usually the safest place.

Connect the Black wire to your positive battery post with the included 40 amp circuit breaker installed in-line. Then route the Blue wire, in to the cab of your Atlas. You will want to use any excess wiring from the duplex wire to route power from the positive battery terminal to your brake controller with a 20/30 amp circuit breaker (included) in-line.

If you are installing the popular Prodigy P3 # 90195 brake controller then you want to connect the Blue wire from your 7-Way to the Blue wire on your brake controller. Then connect the second power wire from your battery (with the 20/30 amp circuit breaker) to the Black wire on your controller. Connect the White wire from your controller to ground and the Red wire from your controller to the COLD side of your Stop Light Switch (only gets hot when brake pedal is pressed) to complete the installation for all of your wiring.

Attached are some helpful articles and a sample video for you to reference. Since you will be bypassing all of the wiring on your Atlas you shouldn't need to have anything reprogrammed.