How to Install a Brake Controller on a Toyota T100 Pickup
Question:
I want to install a brake controller in my 1998 T100 pickup. Ive researched for hours but havent found how to do it. On your site Ive set the filter to 1998 Toyota T100 Pickup Brake Controller, but no-where in my T100 cab is there an adapter that will fit any of the adapters shown in your product list. There is, however, an unused 16-pin adapter above the drivers right leg, at the exact position that you would mount a Brake Controller, and there are only 4 pins of that adapter with wires to them. The adapter is wide two rows of 8, with a slot in between them. The adapter has slanted sides, such that it is shaped like a flat-topped triangle. There are not other empty adapters of any kind anywhere under the dash. If you could tell me what I need for my T100, Id buy it.
asked by: Frank N
Expert Reply:
It is possible to install a brake controller on your 1998 Toyota T100 pickup, but there are no custom fit wiring adapters available for that truck. The plug you found under the dash is probably not for a brake controller, but you could test the pins for power to be sure. One pin should have constant 12 volt power and one pin should only have power when the brake pedal is pressed. The other two pins should not have power at all. From the information we have, a brake controller must be hardwired on a T100.
If you are in the market for a brake controller, then I recommend looking at the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, # 90885. This is one of the top brake controllers on the market. To install the brake controller, you will need to connect 4 wires. If your truck already has a 7-way trailer connector, then I recommend picking up the Brake Controller Wiring Kit, # 5506. This kit includes all of the additional wire and hardware you will need to complete the installation.
The functions for the brake controller wires are listed below.
Black - 12 volt power
White - Ground
Blue - Brake Controller Output
Red - Stoplight Switch
The black wire should be connected to the positive terminal of the truck's battery via the 20-amp circuit breaker from the wiring kit. The white wire should be connected to the negative battery terminal. The blue wire will run back to the 7-way trailer connector and attached to the 5 o'clock pin (when looking at the face of the 7-way socket) and the red wire will be connected to the cold side of the stoplight switch.
The stoplight switch should be located at the top of the brake pedal arm. You may see several wires coming out of the switch, but you will want the wire that only has power when the brake pedal is pressed. I recommend using a circuit tester, like part # PTW2993, to test for the correct wire. Unfortunately, Toyota does not list a specific wire color for this circuit.
If your truck does not have a 7-way trailer connector, then you will want our Universal 7-Way and 4-Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. This kit includes the 7-way trailer connector and all wiring needed to install a 7-way and a brake controller. I have attached installation instructions for this kit for you to check out. This kit requires an existing 4-way trailer connector to work. If your truck does not have any trailer wiring, then you will want to install the Curt T-Connector Wiring Harness, # C55513, in addition to the ETBC7 kit and the brake controller.
Products Referenced in This Question
Wiring Kit for 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brake Electric Trailer Brake Controllers
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- 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
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
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