Brake Controller Installation on 2008 Grand Cherokee Diesel

Question

Question:

what do i need to do to get electric breaks on this Jeep, it has factory 7 pin. a blue wire? or a green wire? where do i start ? i am lost . please help. 2008 with the Mercedes diesel. CDR everything is electronic.. dont want too touch the wrong wire and have some module go pop....3000$ later.... that was a bad idea . thanks for any insight.

asked by: George S

0

Expert Reply:

According to my contact at Tekonsha, there is not any special procedure or considerations for a brake controller installation on Diesel equipped models versus the gas-engined counterparts.

To install your brake controller, you will look for a light green wire bundled up under the dash or behind the driver's side kick panel that would be next to your left foot while driving. This wire will connect the brake controller output (blue wire) to the 7-way. The power (black wire), ground (white wire) and brake lamp stoplight switch wire (red wire) would all need to be connected.

You can use one of our kits, part # 5506 to install your brake controller. The kit includes a length of duplex cable to reach from the controller to the battery. The black wire connects to the positive battery terminal via a 30-amp circuit breaker that is included in the kit and the white wire would ground to the negative battery terminal. The red brake controller wire connects to the brake stoplight switch located at the top of the brake pedal. The stoplight switch will have several different wires exiting it, you will need to use a circuit tester like part # 40376 to find the wire that only shows voltage when the brake pedal is pressed. Once you locate that circuit, tap the red wire into it.

If you have not already purchased a brake controller, I would recommend the Tekonsha Primus, part # TK90160. The price difference between it and the Hayes controller you mentioned is minimal, and the Primus is a much better controller that you would be much happier with.

I will link you to some FAQ articles that should help with the installation.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Answer 1

While we have not had a chance to install a brake controller on a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee we have installed them on other Jeeps of the same year, and the process will be similar. Assuming you do not have the factory tow package or factory 7-way on…

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Answer 2

According to my research, the wire you're looking for is white and tan striped. I strongly suggest that you use a circuit tester like part #PTW2993 to confirm function before tapping into the wire. Wire colors CAN vary between vehicles in the…

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Answer 3

The brake light switch wire on a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee is colored white with a tan stripe. You'll use the quick splice connectors in the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller #ETBC7 to easily splice into the wire without…

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Answer 4

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 5

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 6

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 7

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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Answer 8

Hey Antoine, so the two kits you mentioned are actually really similar and honestly I would go with the part #ETBC7 if I were you. The #ETBC7L is basically the same thing minus a couple wires and breakers so you may as well get the kit that has…

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Answer 9

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 10

Hey Jeremy, Typically with boat trailers the manufacturer will install hydraulic surge brakes because you don't have to worry about the water damaging wires like you would with electric brakes. That being said, if you use a heat shrink butt…

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Answer 11

If you have a vehicle specific wiring harness for a brake controller then that would indicate that you have a factory tow package and subsequently would already have a 7-way at the back of your vehicle. The universal 7-way connector #ETBC7 is meant…

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Answer 12

For your 2024 Hyunda Santa Cruz we have the Curt 7-way kit part #C68JR that is a confirmed fit. This installs by plugging into a factory wiring connector on your vehicle which means a really easy install that doesn't require any splicing.

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