Brake Controller Installation on 2014 GMC Terrain Denali  

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Expert Reply:

I do not have any vehicle specific instructions, because the part can be used on just about any vehicle.

I'd be happy to walk you through the process. You'll need the brake controller, like the # 5504 you were looking at, or a proportional controller like the Primus # TK90160. A proportional controller has an internal sensor that can determine how quickly the tow vehicle is braking. It will then send the appropriate amount of voltage to the trailer brakes, so the vehicle and trailer stop at the same rate. This provides safe, effective and predictable braking action.

A time delayed controller, like the # 5504 Activator IV will always send the same amount of pre-set voltage to the trailer brakes, whether you're dealing with a quick tap on the brake pedal, or a two-footed panic stomp on the pedal while screaming "Omygod, how'd that moose get there?" If you decide to go with this controller, you can either cut the plug off, or use a quick disconnect harness like part # 20127.

To begin the installation, you'd need a functioning 4-pole trailer connector on the vehicle. If you don't already have one, I'd recommend part # 118494. You would then need our Brake Controller Installation Kit part # ETBC7. The kit contains everything needed to install the controller, including the adapter to convert the 4-pole to a 7-way, all wire, hardware and circuit breakers.

I'll link you to the instructions for the ETBC7 kit. Your install will be almost exactly like what's outlined in those instructions, with the exception of connecting the red wire on the brake controller to the stop lamp signal. The procedure for doing this in a Terrain/Equinox is a little different.

As you are sitting in the driver's seat, the BCM (Body Control Module) is located under the dash above where your left knee would be. The module (think of it as a junction box) will have 7 different wire connectors that plug into it. Look for the black connector (all the connectors are different colors) that has 26 different slots for wires to insert into. In wire position # 11, there will be a white wire that carries the brake stoplight signal. Use the quick connector to tap the red brake controller wire into this circuit, and you will be good to go. Be sure to use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to confirm that the white wire only shows voltage when the brake pedal is pressed.

expert reply by: Mike L

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