Trailer Brake Controller Install on 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee with Factory Tow Package  

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Expert Reply:

There isn't a harness available, but since your 2008 Grand Cherokee has the factory tow package (the 7-way at the rear bumper will say MOPAR on it) it's been partially prewired for a brake controller. Jeep ran the taillight functions to the 7-way, as well as the output circuit from under the dash back to the 7-way, but the power, ground and stop lamp circuit for the brake controller will need to be ran from the battery and stop lamp switch to the brake controller.

In addition to the # 90885 and its included # 20127, you'll also need the # 5506 wiring kit.

The brake controller output circuit terminates under the dash, in the vicinity of the e-brake pedal. Look for a coiled up blue or light green wire that will usually have a white tag on it identifying it as 'trailer brake'. In some cases, the wire is located under the carpet behind the e-brake pedal or behind the kick panel.

To install, you'd mount the controller within easy reach of the driver, typically to the right of the steering column, under the dash or on its downward slope. The blue wire connects to the blue or light green wire ran from the 7-way, the black and white wires would be extended and ran through the firewall. The black wire attaches to the positive battery terminal via the included 20 or 30 amp breaker. (20A for 2 or 4 brake assemblies, 30A for more than 4 brake assemblies). The white wire connects to the negative battery terminal. The red brake controller wire attaches to the cold side circuit on the brake stoplight switch which is located atop the brake pedal (look for a
white wire with a tan stripe) using a # SWC501746-1 quick splice connector.

I've linked to an install video that you might find helpful. The video shows a controller being installed on a Jeep Wrangler, but the video will illustrate how the # 5506 wiring kit is used.

expert reply by: Mike L

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