Finding the Brake Signal Wire on a 2016 Ford Expedition for the Tekonsha P2 Brake Controller

Question:

I have the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller #90885 and installing on my 2016 Ford Explorer. I do not have a factory towing package. I have installed the Curt T-Connector C56172 along with the universal kit ETBC7. Im at the point where I am to locate the COLD brake switch wire to connect the red wire from the P2 brake controller. Using the tester included with kit, I am getting the red light on indication from the yellow wire with an orange strip all the time. This is telling me that this is the HOT wire. I am getting the red light on indication from the brown wire ONLY when the brakes are applied. This is telling me that the brown wire is the COLD. The brown wire is the wire I should quick splice the red wire from the P2 controller with. Am I correct?

asked by: Phillip H

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have the correct wire.

The red wire of the Tekonsha P2 Brake Controller, part # 90885, is meant to splice into the brake signal wire of your vehicle. If your testing is showing the brown wire as active only when the brake is pressed, then this is the wire you're looking for. As a precaution, make sure to test this wire when turning on the signals and reverse light just to be sure it's not getting power with those functions as well. If it is, then you will need to find another one that only lights for the brakes.

I've linked to a video installation of the P2 with the # ETBC7 on a 2014 Ford Expedition. From the 17-minute mark, you can see how this is done. In the video, it is a blue wire with an orange stripe, but there is a 2-year difference between that Expedition and yours. Colors change for wires often, so testing is the only sure-fire way of knowing.

expert reply by: Kef G