Any tips on installing an electric brake controller?
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Any tips on installing an electric brake controller?
Good Afternoon
Does anyone have any time saving tips on installing an electric trailer brake controller in a 97 Explorer LTD?
The factory trailer harness is a 4 pin only so I guess I am tapping in someplace else.
Where are the best places to tap into? is there an existing plug hidden somewhere?
Thanks
Doug
Does anyone have any time saving tips on installing an electric trailer brake controller in a 97 Explorer LTD?
The factory trailer harness is a 4 pin only so I guess I am tapping in someplace else.
Where are the best places to tap into? is there an existing plug hidden somewhere?
Thanks
Doug
CO River Rat
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
If you have the 4-pin connector your '97 doesn't have the towing package, so there won't be a brake controller plug under the dash. Search the 'web under "tow vehicle/trailer wiring" for diagrams and install tips. BTW, without a tow package your '97 tow rating is pretty low - be careful about what you hook to her tail. Good luck!
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Steina says: "If you have the 4-pin connector your '97 doesn't have the towing package"
Are you sure about this? My '99 has a factory tow package and it only has 4-pins as well. That is for both the connector on the Explorer and the trailer plug.
By the way, I tried connecting my adpater to an earlier Ford, a '97 or '96 if I remember, and it wouldn't work. I used a DMM to troubleshoot and guess what, the pinouts on the car connector where different. Ford must have changed some wiring in there.
Are you sure about this? My '99 has a factory tow package and it only has 4-pins as well. That is for both the connector on the Explorer and the trailer plug.
By the way, I tried connecting my adpater to an earlier Ford, a '97 or '96 if I remember, and it wouldn't work. I used a DMM to troubleshoot and guess what, the pinouts on the car connector where different. Ford must have changed some wiring in there.
CO River Rat
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From: Lake Havasu City AZ
Dan -
Does your '99 have a 6-pin connector under the dash for a brake controller and a 1.25" hitch? Reason I'm asking is, my '99 with tow package had this connector and a 7-pin round RV connector by the 2" hitch. The 4-pin by the hitch is for lights and ground only - if you have the 6-pin brake controller connector and a 4-pin by the hitch, there are wires and relays missing.
Does your '99 have a 6-pin connector under the dash for a brake controller and a 1.25" hitch? Reason I'm asking is, my '99 with tow package had this connector and a 7-pin round RV connector by the 2" hitch. The 4-pin by the hitch is for lights and ground only - if you have the 6-pin brake controller connector and a 4-pin by the hitch, there are wires and relays missing.
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All sorted out now.
I have installed new lines to the brake controller complete with a seperate on / off switch, pre-wired for a tranny temp gauge and strung new wire to the rear for a new connector.
Almost ready to "carefully" pull my trailer.
Thanks for the input.
Cheers
Doug
I have installed new lines to the brake controller complete with a seperate on / off switch, pre-wired for a tranny temp gauge and strung new wire to the rear for a new connector.
Almost ready to "carefully" pull my trailer.
Thanks for the input.
Cheers
Doug
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Tow Package Contents
So perhaps there are different levels of tow packages. My tow package did not come with a receiver and I don't think there are any other connectors. I have not looked for a brake controller plug under the dash, but I have only found the harness connector in the rear and I had to install the factory provided adapter.
I purchased an after-market 2" receiver--Hidden Hitch round tube style. I have not used an electric brake yet on my single axle trailer.
I purchased an after-market 2" receiver--Hidden Hitch round tube style. I have not used an electric brake yet on my single axle trailer.
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