Parts Needed to Install a Trailer Brake Controller on a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Question:

I cant seem to locate the wiring adaptor for this controller for the 2012 Cherokee. I located, what I believe to be the factory brake controller plug located under the dash, taped to another plug, near the e-brake as described for Dodges. My Cherokee did not come witha tow hitch but the wiring harness 7 pin was at the hitch location, capped off. My question is two fold. First, is there an adaptor avilable for the brake controller to prevent splicing. Secondly, After buying the 7 pin round/4 pin flat combo plug from my dealer, only the running lights and 12v pins have power at the hitch side. Nothing from the blinkers/brake lights. I read that the dealer must use a scan tool to reprogram the vehicle configuration for the trailer lighting to work? This is a first for me. Ive installed hitches and trailer wiring many times but Ive never heard of this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

asked by: Paul C

Expert Reply:

If your 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee does have the factory brake controller plug and it is functional then you can use # TK93VR with brake controller # 90885. The factory plug should be located underneath the dashboard, to the left of the steering column taped to another wiring harness near the emergency brake pedal. I have linked instructions for you to view.

If your Jeep did not come with the factory tow package (the 7-Way trailer connector was not included) then you would need to hardwire in a brake controller. To do this you would normally start by adding a 4-Way using # 118425, video and instructions linked. Then you would use a 4 and 7 way installation kit # ETBC7. It includes the wiring needed to add the 7-Way and install the brake controller. I have included some links that explain the ETBC7 installation.

Since you already have a 4-Way to 7-Way adapter which should mean you have a 4-Way, you will not need the ETBC7 kit. Instead you will need a similar kit, # 5506, to finish the installation. You can still use the FAQ for the ETBC7 to install this kit. To make the 7-Way fully active, the dealer does have to flash the computer to make it functional. One of my bosses has a 2012 Grand Cherokee and we ran into this same issue. After taking it to the dealer so they could flash the computer the 7-Way stared to work properly.

The last item you will need is the brake controller you referenced # 90885.