Has anyone installed a trailer brake controller in a late model trooper? I need to put one in my '2000. I am finding that you either use a direct connect plug or splice wires. I would prefer the direct connect but will my vehicle accomodate that? If not whats the splice proceedure?

Might either of these connectors be for a brake controller? If not, anyone know what they are for?


-Jared

I installed one on an '02 Rodeo. The splicing method is pretty simple. There are three wires; one is an always hot source that connects directly to the battery terminal, one is a ground wire, and the third splices to the output on the brake light switch on the pedal assembly. It can be tricky to find the right wire to splice into for the third wire, that is without a wiring diagram.

...or so I remember.

I believe those connectors are for computer dianostics. Most brake controller connectors are under the dash, anyway.

I do not believe your Trooper is wired for a brake controler. Usually, vehicles that are a bit larger and better designed for towing heavier loads have such connections. In addition to the connection, the factory must also run the wiring and associated fuses.

So...in addition to the splicing, you'll probably have to run a larger gauge(12 or 10) wire for brake power, plus a circuit breaker for that wire. You may need a fuse wired in there somewhere too. Read the specific directions with the controller you have.

Good Luck,
Michael