DIY Trailer Brake Controller Install

[swampcat14]

I added a Tekonsha trailer brake controller a while back. I've been lazy about getting this one posted, but figured it could help someone. I used a RAM Mount X-grip with my previously installed Carolina Metal Masters A-Pillar 1" Ball Mount solution, and just ran the harness up to the dash.

I wanted to avoid permanently altering as much of the dash trim as possible. I did end up cutting a little plastic, but it's out of sight and on a panel that's relatively cheap to replace. I also wanted to be able to remove and store my controller when it wasn't needed. When the controller is not mounted, the end of the harness tucks up neatly out of sight between the windshield and the A-pillar.

Here are the parts I used:
- Tekonsha 3014-P Brake Control Wiring Adapter for Jeep
- Tekonsha 90195 P3 Electronic Brake Control
- Carolina Metal Masters A Pillar 1" Ball Mount Solution
- RAM MOUNTS Universal X-Grip Cell Phone Holder with Double Socket Arm

Here are the tools/extras I used:
- Torx T40 (included in your Jeep Toolkit)
- Socket Driver (included in your Jeep Toolkit)
- 7mm Nut Driver/Socket
- 15mm Nut Driver/Socket (included in your Jeep Toolkit)
- Angled Flathead (or body/trim tools)
- Scissors/Snips
- Small Picks/Hooks
- String and Washer
- (Ignore the box-end wrench pictured, I got a little crazy removing trim panels, you won't need to go through all that)

1. Click this article for instructions on how to install the Carolina Metal Masters A-Pillar solutions.
2. Drop the windshield. (Instructions in your Jeep Toolkit also)
   1. Use the 15mm socket to remove the two (2) wiper blades.
   2. Use the Torx T40 to remove the four (4) bolts across the top (accessible from the interior).
   3. Carefully lower the windshield onto the hood.
   4. 
3. Remove the driver's side tweeter speaker cover.
   1. There are 4 clips holding it on.
   2. Use your hands, flathead, or trim tool to carefully pry it off.
   3. 
4. Remove the driver's side tweeter speaker (Optional step. Helps avoid damaging the speaker inadvertently).
   1. Remove the two (2) 7mm trim screws holding the speaker. Don't lose the screws.
   2. Carefully lift it up and disconnect the wiring harness
   3. Set speaker aside.
   4. 
      
      
   5. 
5. Remove the driver's side dash end trim panel.
   1. There are five (5) clips holding it on.
   2. Use your hands, flathead, or trim tool to carefully pry it off.
   3. 
6. Remove the driver's side lower trim panel covering the door harness plug.
   1. There are two (2) clips holding it on.
   2. Use your hands, flathead, or trim tool to carefully pry it off.
   3. 
7. Remove the trim panel under the steering wheel. (Optional, but gave me more room to get my hands under the dash).
   1. There are six (6) clips holding it on.
   2. Use your hands, flathead, or trim tool to carefully pry it off.
   3. 
8. Crawl up under the dash and find the factory harness/plug for your trailer brake controller. It will be tucked up pretty high by the ECU and taped to the ECU harness. Remove the tape by hand. DO NOT CUT THE TAPE.
   1. 
9. Tie the washer to the end of the string.
10. Locate the gap between the A-pillar and the dash plastic in the very corner of the dash. (Picture is after I had pulled the harness back up).
    1. 
11. Drop the washer down this gap, and guide it down the side of and behind the dash towards the location of the factory wiring harness/plug. This will be a trial and error effort until you get the string routed properly.
12. Plug the brake controller adapter into the factory harness.
13. Remove the washer from the string and tie the string around the free end of the brake controller adapter. Tie it so it pulls the plug straight up, rather than pull the the harness and dragging the plug. This will make it easier to get the plug through the small gaps.
14. Carefully pull the string and guide the adapter plug up along the route until the plug is coming out of the top of the dash. Pull the slack out of the harness, but don't pull too tight. You don't want to put any strain on the plug/harness under the dash. The picks come in handy here to help gently guide the plug through the gaps.
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15. Plug in your brake controller and ensure everything works.
16. Remove brake controller again.
17. On the driver's side tweeter speaker cover, cut off about 1/4" to 3/8" to make room for the harness. You want it to be enough so the harness isn't pinched, but not so much that the harness flops around.
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18. Reinstall the tweeter speaker (if removed earlier).
19. Reinstall the tweeter speaker cover.
    1. 
20. Reinstall the side dash trim panel.
    1. 
21. Reinstall the lower trim panel covering the door harness plug.
22. Reinstall the trim panel under the steering wheel.
23. Raise and secure the windshield. Be careful not to pinch the controller harness.
    1. 
24. You're done! Have a beer!
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[D60]

Nice work!

 

[swampcat14]

Nice work!

Thanks!

 

[JLURmojito]

This setup will work until you use the manual override lever on the bottom of the controller to activate the trailer brakes. I just posted a thorough write-up on the problem with the 3014 harness that you used and what you can do to prevent all of the dash lights and fault codes that others on this forum have posted about...
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/jl-trailer-brake-controller.8378/page-2

 

[TNJim]

This setup will work until you use the manual override lever on the bottom of the controller to activate the trailer brakes. I just posted a thorough write-up on the problem with the 3014 harness that you used and what you can do to prevent all of the dash lights and fault codes that others on this forum have posted about...
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/jl-trailer-brake-controller.8378/page-2

What are your recommendations to install the P3 without the tow package? I've already installed the Mopar 7-pin harness, works great, but I've held off on the brake controller until I find the right solution to install the controller. Since I do not have the tow package, I do not have the handy plug stuffed up under the dash. I really do not want to splice into my brake switch.
Thanks.

 

[RubenZ]

I'm assuming the Plug for a brake controller is only on the JL's that had the Factory Tow Option or Tow Hitch Installed?

 

[Boatbuilder88]

I'm assuming the Plug for a brake controller is only on the JL's that had the Factory Tow Option or Tow Hitch Installed?

Correct.

 

[gonmudn]

Hi all! Thank you for this install information. I was able to locate my existing harness for the plug and play feature. I did end up calling Tekonsha to ask about the harness because Amazon kept telling me that the 3014-P was not compatible. Tekonsha told me to order part 3073-P for my 2018 JLUR. Not sure if this harness will prevent the issues that some are having with the 3014-P. Should have it on Thursday and am hoping the install goes well.

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