ddwyer

03 Tacoma
2.7L extracab 4x4

I will be installation a trailer brake controller for the first time. I understand that there is no plug-and-play connector, so I will have to splice into existing wiring. I have a few questions.

1. Where should I pick up the brake signal? Splice into the wire that leaves the switch at the pedal?

2. Where should I pick up 12V? Go right to the battery (with a fuse), or pick up a keyed signal? If the latter, where can I access it?

3. Where should I pick up the reverse signal?

4. Fuse the line to the brake, correct?

JasonYota

iTrader: (1)

It didn't come with any type of instruction manual? It's been years since I installed one so I can't remember off hand which wires to splice into.

ddwyer

Yes, instructions say 12V from battery w/ circuit breaker and vehicle brake connection at low side of brake switch. I was hoping to get some details on my truck for wire identification/location and feedback on fuse in trailer brake line.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

Please explain the reverse signal??

I can`t tell you how to do yours I always hook direct to the battery a circuit breaker is better because it will reset .

A open fuse needs to be replaced hence no brakes .

I pick up the brake light wire where ever it is the easiest .This being on the light side of the switch.

Pretty simple

Now since I always ground the frame I pick up a good ground at the rear of the vehicle so important with trailer brakes.

As well as adjusting the brake control. loaded and empty.

I gotta say I liked the old hydraulic controls better .

ddwyer

No reverse, that was my bad. Good tip on CBs and a good ground out back.

ddwyer

I still need some help. I can't find the brake wire. Can anyone offer assistance (description of routing, color of insulation, etc.)? Any photos would be a bonus.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

Just look at your brake pedal you can see the switch pretty easy.

Remove the switch giving you some room to work .

Now on the 2000 Tacoma my wire is Green/White stripe yours could be different.

ddwyer

Thanks. Got the brake switch loose, green and white wire as well (confirmed with wiring diagram). Still a little short to work with, though, but it's manageable. I should be done shortly.

ddwyer

What a PITA to install the splice, short harness and very tight. Finally got the splice in place, re-attached the connector only to find that the spliced wire does NOT get hot when the brake switch is actuated. I will uninstall and re-install, crossing my fingers.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

Just how did you do this ??

Not one of those scotch Lock connectors that fail more often then not .

Then end up cutting the original wire and nothing works.

ddwyer

Yup, one of the plastic splicers with the guillotine barbs. The brake light still works, but the spliced wire is not in the circuit. The barb must have missed the wire strands. There is no room to cut and splice properly.