Installing a Brake Controller on a 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Without a Factory Installed 7-way  

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Since you indicated that you do not have a wiring bundle under the dash then you most likely do not have a factory installed 7-way towing package for your 2011 Volkswagen Touareg. To establish a 7-way that will activate through the brake controller you will initially have to establish a 4-pole connection then convert that to a functional 7-way, and finally properly install a brake controller.

To install a 4-way on your 2011 Tourageg you will need to use the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118668. Since your vehicle has pulse width modulation (PWM) wiring system you will need to use this particular kit to connect to your existing vehicle wiring and establish a 4-pole. This kit includes a converter that is designed to convert PWM to a signal that is compatible with the 4-pole wiring used for trailers and accessories.

Once you have established a 4-pole connection you can then use the # ETBC7 to convert the newly established 4-pole to a 7-way connector. I have included a helpful article that walks you through the process of installing the # ETBC7, and wiring your brake controller.

In addition to the functions that the 4-pole wiring connector supplies installing the # ETBC7 7-way connector will supply a brake signal, 12V power, and a reverse light to the vehicle connection point. Having a 7-way is necessary when installing a brake controller since it supplies the brake signal from the brake controller. I have included a helpful article that shows the typical wiring diagram for a 7-way connection point on the vehicle and on the trailer.

To install the brake controller, you will need to locate the brake switch on your vehicle under the brake pedal. It is advised to use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993, to verify which wire is the brake switch wire. To do this you will have to probe the wire and depress the brake pedal and check for a signal on the circuit tester. Once you have located the brake switch it is advised that you also activate the headlights and turn signals to double check that this is the brake switch. To make sure that this is the brake switch there will only be power to it when the brake is activated and not when the headlights and turn signals are activated.

Furthermore to install the brake controller you will also have to run a 12V wire to the vehicle battery installing an in-line 20 amp Circuit Breaker, and run a new ground wire for the brake controller and this is routed to the negative battery terminal. You will also connect the blue wire on the brake controller to the white wire that was routed in the duplex wiring when installing the 7-way at the rear of the vehicle.

You have indicated that you were looking at the Prodigy and this is a good brake controller, however I would highly recommend the Prodigy P2 # 90085. One of the benefits of the P2 is that it has a broader range of mounting possibilities when compared to the Prodigy. Also, the P2 is compatible with electric over hydraulic braking systems on trailers when the Prodigy is not. I have included a video showing both the installation of an # ETBC7 and the Prodigy P2 on a similar type of vehicle for your reference.

Mentioned in the video was dielectric grease and that is available as # 11755, and gasket sealant # LT37467.

I have included links to the parts listed, several helpful articles, and several videos for your reference.

expert reply by: Rachael H

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