Accessing Brake Controller Install Port On 2018 Jeep Cherokee

Question:

Back again to my 2018 Jeep Cherokee... the other customer’s comment on how to get the panel down was helpful, but the rest needed more complete info. Still not finding the plug for the brake controller. Yes, I already have the 3045-p part.. Still unable to find the plug. Their comments say it’s wrapped in a soft plastic covering but I’m not seeing it. Where? What color is the wrapping? Also they said there’s not much room to mount it, I imagine around the knee and yes, I know!, but they neglected to say where to put it! I see no room at all at right knee area.

asked by: Carolyn

Expert Reply:

We had a customer come back and gives us tips on how to lower the dash piece on your 2018 Jeep Cherokee to install the brake controller install harness like part # 3014-P which you'd need to install the Tekonsha controller part # TK90160 that you referenced.

"After you take the single screw off the panel above the driver's left foot, the is still a two inch plastic "finger" in a metal bracket still holding the panel up. Pull the panel toward you and bow the middle down to free the "finger." Also, the factory plug was not just dangling on my Cherokee as some on-line pictures seem to show. It’s in a soft plastic "keeper," so I did not recognize it right away. It is easy to pry out of the keeper with a small screwdriver. There is not much room on the right side of the steering wheel by the driver's knees, plus there is a knee air bag there you do not want to impede. "

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Carolyn

9/18/2019

Jameson C.

9/18/2019

I attached an install video that shows where the harness is found on a similar Grand Cherokee at 1:11 mark. Try checking that out to see if that helps. Beyond that we've found that these harnesses can be frustrating to find. They often move or settle over time and get even more hidden. It sometimes turns into just feeling around as much as you can as sometimes it's just not in a convenient location. I attached a picture that might help as well. Once you get it plugged in I'd try a few places out on the dash to see where the controller would fit best. We've seen some people install them in center console areas too to get them out of the way.