Parts Needed to Install a Trailer Brake Controller in a 2009 Volkswagen Passat

Question:

I have the above car and would like to fit electric brakes. I have the std VW wagon wiring for tow bar fitted at teh facotory. I have bought a Tekonsha P3 electric brake controller, model number 90195A. Does your adaptor C59236 support this controller or is the wiring kit just trailer lights no brakes? If yes, does the controller plus into the wiring kit? When the instruction say drivers side, is this left of right hand drive?

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

You can certainly add a brake controller to a 2009 VW Passat but you may not need to. We normally recommend a brake controller if the gross trailer weight is 50 percent or more of the vehicle weight. Since the Passat does not have that high of a towing capacity (check the owners manual for exact numbers) it may not ever reach as high as 50 percent of the vehicle weight.

But if you want to go ahead and install a brake controller you will first need to install a 4-Way wiring harness using # C59236 for a wagon with LED lights. I have included links to the instructions for you to view.

After the 4-Way is installed, you will need to install a 4 and 7 way installation kit # ETBC7. This provides a 7-Way trailer connector and the wiring to hardwire in the brake controller. A 4-Way harness by itself does not have the ability to function with a brake controller, it only controls the lights. The ETBC7 has all of the pins needed for lights, brakes, and 12 volt accessory power.

I have included some links that will help with the installation of the ETBC7 and the brake controller.

The instructions for most every product we carry assumes that it is a left-hand drive vehicle like we use here in the states.

expert reply by: Michael H