Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller Installation for 2008 Toyota Highlander

Question

Question:

I have a 2008 Toyota Highlander Limited and had a Tekonsha P2 Brake Controller installed that I moved from another vehicle earlier this year. I brought the camper home from storage earlier this summer, then two weeks ago we pulled our Scamp a a campsite a few hours away, both w/o any problems. Last weekend, halfway back home the dash lit up like a Christmas tree with warning lights and warning messages claimed all sorts of systems had failed - brakes, traction control, ABS, Power Steering, VCS, etc, and the electric power steering was on and off. Otherwise the car drove fine, except the speedometer was dead! The service writer at the local Toyota dealer assured me it was safe to drive home and have looked at by my regular mechanic, so we did. My mechanic plugged in his analyzer and saw a code for a bad speed sensor and a found a blown fuse for it. He also saw some Tech Bulletins which advised about the right way to wire a brake controller on this vehicle, but the drawing of the right way was missing! I see your post re: 2008 Hybrid Highlander, but some of the documents you mentioned are not linked to... Is a P2 Controller on the Non-Hybrid wired the same? HELP! Thanks!

asked by: Brian P

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Expert Reply:

The tech bulletin you were referring to is likely one that simply says there is no plug available for a brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885, which means this particular brake controller must be hardwired into your vehicle. This controller is wired the same for all Highlanders, which means the white is ground, black is 12V power, blue is brake controller output and red gets connected to the cold side of the stoplight switch (which means there is only power to this wire when the brake pedal is depressed).

If you don't have the factory tow package you'll need 4-flat # 118449 and Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7 for the install.

I have added links to video installs of a brake controller on Toyota Highlanders for you to take a look at as well as a link to a help article on brake controller installation which I recommend reading. Additionally, to mount the P2 in your car you may need Mounting Pocket # 7686 or Replacement Mounting Bracket for Tekonsha Prodigy and P2 # P7685.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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Answer 1

You will actually need the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector, item #118449, for your vehicle and the, item #ETBC7, Brake Controller Installation Kit, along with the brake controller of your choice. I recommend going with a…

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Answer 2

If the wiring that was done tied directly into the tail lights of your 2008 Toyota Highlander but did not have a converter, that may be the reason it was throwing codes. In order to install a 7-Way trailer connector on your Highlander, you will first…

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Answer 3

You could install the Pollak 7-Pole and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Sockets w/ Mounting Bracket and Wiring #HM40975-11998 on your 2008 Toyota Highlander with the 4-Way, #118449 already installed. You would have to cut off the 4-Way plug on the 118449.…

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Answer 4

In order to install a 7-way trailer connector on a 2020 Toyota Highlander you'll first need to start with a 4-way, the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness part #TK74FR is plug-in-play. Then, you can adapt it to a 7-way with the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit part…

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Answer 5

From what I could find, the 2021 Toyota Highlander does not come with a port under the dash for an brake controller. With that being said, you will need to use our Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller #ETBC7 to get a brake…

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Answer 6

I have attached a couple of drawings that show how the wires are routed when installing a brake controller, and how the wires are run from the 7-way connector on your 2008 Toyota Highlander. I have also included a couple of helpful articles that…

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Answer 7

The best option for wireless brake controllers is the Curt Echo #C51180. It is the easiest to plug in and go when you need to use a brake controller with your trailer. Once you have a 7-way connector installed in your vehicle, all you need is to…

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Answer 8

You can absolutely install the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller #RED44FR in your 2021 Toyota Highlander with the factory tow package, but there is not an adapter to plug the controller into your vehicle. You will need to use the included…

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Answer 9

The easiest way to install a brake controller on your 2022 Toyota Highlander with a 4-way is to first install a 7-way kit with the part #TK57VR which includes brake controller wiring as well. Then for a brake controller the Curt Echo Mobile part…

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Answer 10

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 11

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 12

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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