Do I Need To Wire The Blue Wire From The ETBC7 To Install Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller

Question:

The trailer I am buying has an Autowbrake on it. I own a 2018 Jeep Cherokee without a trailer package. I know I need to wire in 118727 and ETBC7. My question is about the blue break signal wire. The Autowbrake is 5 wire and has a blue break connection but in your description, the blue wire is not needed? Do I need to wire the blue on the ETBC7 into the Jeep break switch?

asked by: Dennis B

Expert Reply:

You are correct you will need the 4-pole flat part # 118727 and the part # etbc7 to get a 7-way on the back of the Jeep to power the Autowbrake part # 3430001. The blue wire from the ETBC7 to the front of the vehicle is not needed because the Autowbrake does not use the brake light switch signal to operate. With a traditional brake controller that uses the brake light switch signal, the blue wire would be routed to the front of the vehicle to the brake controller. Then there would be a wire from the brake controller (traditionally red) to the brake light switch. The AutowBrake only needs the 12V power from the Jeep's battery, a good ground and the turn signal functions from the 7-Way to operate.

Once you have the 7-Way installed with the needed functions wired, you will wire the trailer connectors 12V wire and turn signals to the provided junction box. Then you will ground the trailer side ground to the junction box and the trailer brake wire on the trailer side to the junction box. The Autowbrake blue, black, white and green/yellow wires will then wire to the corresponding junction box studs. I have attached a couple diagrams for your reference.

expert reply by: Heather A