2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Trailer Brake Controller Installation

Question:

Hi, To install a trailer brake controller in my 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with the towing package you mention removing the plastic cover under the dash to the left of the steering column to gain access to the plug for the brake controller. What is the trick to removing that plastic cover? I see one screw but the cover doesnt move once the screw is out. Thanks.

asked by: David G

Expert Reply:

Vehicle passenger compartment plastic trim panels, like the dash panel on your Trailhawk that comes off to give you access to the brake controller port, usually have tabs that fit into slots or metal fasteners, in addition to the visible retaining screw. Once the visible fasteners are removed it may still require a bit of force to release the panel, especially on a brand new vehicle.

Often a trim panel tool set like # PT73HJ can help loosen things up. These plastic tools will be less likely to mar plastic surfaces than a screwdriver or metal tool like # ALL648544. Applying the tools all along the panel edges/gaps can sometimes help free them up, or at least help you spot the points where the tabs connect to the rest of the dash.

Usually the plastic panels will be flexible enough to work them free so long as they are not cold. I do recommend you do the panel removal when the vehicle's dash is warmed up a bit. A hand-held blow dryer can help warm things. This will improve the plastic's flexibility. We have not yet had the opportunity to create video of a controller install in a 2019 Cherokee Trailhawk so I can't show you exactly how this part comes off.

One you do get the panel off you can access the grey square connector that will mate with the matching grey plug on harness part # 3014-P. Then the flat black connector on the other end of the harness will plug in to the Tekonsha controller, such as the excellent Prodigy P3 # 90195.

expert reply by: Adam R

Johan V.

5/16/2020

When I plugged in the brake controller on my ‘19 Cherokee the unit did not turn on. The dealership told me that the wiring to the plugin doesn’t have a power supply, and would not supply any more information. How do I couple the plug to the battery? I.e. which lead in the wire harness do I need to couple to a power source and which type of able do I need to acquire?

Chris R.

5/19/2020

There shouldn't be any other wiring connections needed when installing a brake controller using the Plug-In Adapter # 3014-P on your Jeep Cherokee. I'm thinking you might have a blown or missing fuse under the hood - check your owner's manual for the correct location relating to the controller. Let me know if this isn't it and we can go from there.