Wiring a Brake Controller Into an Isuzu N-Series Truck
Question:
Im trying to find the cold side brake switch to wire in brake controller before I order one from you.
asked by: Scott C
Expert Reply:
Finding the cold side of the brake switch can be a little difficult, but not overly so. First, you want to be using a voltmeter or a circuit tester, like the # PTW2993. As this is the cold side, there should be absolutely no power running through the wire until the brake pedal is depressed. This would be the wire you will need to splice the red wire from a controller, like the Curt Spectrum # C51170, together with.
Depending on how the vehicle is currently wired, you may need a few more components to get a brake controller up and running as well. If there is no existing wiring, you will need to start with a 4 Flat harness. This will depend on if the brake and turn signals are sent along the same wire, which would use the Tekonsha # 18252, or if the brake and turn signals are run along different wires, which would use the Tekonsha # 119178KIT.
Once a 4 Flat is installed, you would then need our Universal Brake Controller Wiring Kit # ETBC7. This does piggy back off of the 4 Flat, but then has all the other components needed to get the brake controller up and running. I should mention that this does come with 20 amp, 30 amp, and 40 amp circuit breakers, but with you having a larger vehicle, you should not use the 20 amp one.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Tail Light Converter with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- 1-1/2 Feet Long
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
4-Way Flat Trailer Connector w/ 72" Harness, Circuit Tester and Wire Taps
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- 6 Feet Long
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller - Dash Mounted Knob - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Dash-Mounted Knob
- Hidden
- Up to 4 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Up to 360 Degrees
- CURT
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Drum Brakes - 1,000 psi
- Brake Actuator
- Electric-Hydraulic Brake Actuator
- 1000 psi
- Drum Brakes
- Hydrastar
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: 2023 Holiday Must Haves
- Q&A: Is There a Replacement Circuit Board for the Dexter Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuators
- Q&A: Replacement 1998 PJ Utility Trailer Hub with QRG 3G and 84000 Stamped Into Hub
- Article: Adding Electric Over Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Testing the Hydrastar 1600 PSI Electric/Hydraulic Actuator for Proper Function
- Article: Troubleshooting Brake Controller Installations
- Article: 2023 Best Gifts for Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Q&A: Troubleshooting a HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator that Stopped Working
- Q&A: Dexter Electric Over Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator Will Not Work
- Q&A: Surge Brake Actuator to Replace Atwood 82543
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Brakes Sticking With Dexter DX Series Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator K71-650
- Article: How to Charge a Dump Trailer Battery
- Article: Parts Required to Add Electric Over Hydraulic Drum Brakes to a Trailer