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JL - Trailer Brake Controller

bobzdar

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I've had zero issue with mine, towed 4x including a thousand mile round trip to ny. I'd make sure your trailer connector is clean and making good contact with the pins on the jeep. I'm using a hopkins agility controller with the tekonsha pigtail.
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the_webers_inc

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I've had zero issue with mine, towed 4x including a thousand mile round trip to ny. I'd make sure your trailer connector is clean and making good contact with the pins on the jeep. I'm using an acuity controller with the tekonsha pigtail.
Would you mind sharing the model/part numbers of the controller and pigtail that are working for you? I need to order a controller for my Jeep soon.
 

bobzdar

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Here's the plug: Tekonsha 3014-P Brake Control Wiring Adapter for Jeep https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QRWR1YI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_WBgu4vOWU9uSg

And here's the brake controller: Hopkins 47295 Agility Proportional Brake Control https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012APN3Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_NQuuBb2GY5YAJ

The pigtail doesn't plug into the controller, but the wires are color coded the same so it's dead simple to mate up. If I didn't already have the Hopkins I'd have probably bought the tekonsha (my mom has one in her grand Cherokee and it works fine) just so it'd be plug and play. Maybe I dodged a bullet on that one? I have a feeling it may be a connection issue at the trailer for those with problems, though. If I hit the brake button on the controller without the trailer connected it turns on the esc light indicating a problem, sounds like the error they're getting.
 
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the_webers_inc

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Thanks for the Info! I have a line on a Tekonsha Primus that a friend used once or twice. That coupled with the 3014-P will hopefully work.
 

Godzilla

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avnmech - my idiot lights only activate if I use the manual lever on the controller to energize the brakes. After I set the brakes, I turn off the engine then restart and the codes have cleared. Check to see if yours does the same, if it does, you should be fine towing.
 

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thehangingchad

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Any luck? I'm having the same issue. I tapped into the green wire with the brown stripe coming from the pedal and I'm not getting brakes at the trailer. The manual over ride on the controller works, so I know the signal through the blue wire is functioning, just can't get it to recognize the brake pedal.
Did you ever find out the answer to this? I am doing my investigative work. I have installed the MOPAR hitch and I am about to purchase a controller and the 7-Pin kit. I did not have the factory tow option.
 

mergedown

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Did you ever find out the answer to this? I am doing my investigative work. I have installed the MOPAR hitch and I am about to purchase a controller and the 7-Pin kit. I did not have the factory tow option.
I have not figured it out yet, but I also haven't really spent much time trying.
 

longbowamo

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Has anyone who does not have the factory tow package installed an electric trailer brake controller yet? I've installed the MOPAR 7-way harness, which provides the blue wire for the feed for the trailer brakes, and I'm aware that the red and black wires for the brake controller will go to the hot & ground on the battery, however, I'm unable to find a trigger/feed wire for the actual brake controller itself. On my JK, it was a brown/white wire (4 wires running to brake pedal switch). On my JL, there are only 3 wires running to the brake pedal switch, and none of them have 12 volts going to them, regardless of whether the brake pedal is pressed or not.

Anyone have any ideas?
I have a 2018 JLU sport. so no frills no factory connectors. couldn't figure out wire diagrams nor could I find a true simple brake light switch for trigger of the brake box. I ran 3 wires to my hitch.

1. 12volt hot with fuse to go to a travel trailer, 12 gauge.

2. the trailer brake actuating line, 12
gauge.

3. Then a third wire that I spliced into the 3rd over the spare brake light for the brake trigger signal. it's the white with green stripe wire inside the tailgate.

used an old Curt brake box mounted under the steering wheel on the panel in between my knees but closer to my right knee using 3M heavy velcro, so I can see the lights on it.

no trouble lights on the dash. And it seems to work great with my 18ft car hauler flatbed. can't wait to try it on the camper that we are picking up soon.

hope that helps some.
 

thehangingchad

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I have a 2018 JLU sport. so no frills no factory connectors. couldn't figure out wire diagrams nor could I find a true simple brake light switch for trigger of the brake box. I ran 3 wires to my hitch.

1. 12volt hot with fuse to go to a travel trailer, 12 gauge.

2. the trailer brake actuating line, 12
gauge.

3. Then a third wire that I spliced into the 3rd over the spare brake light for the brake trigger signal. it's the white with green stripe wire inside the tailgate.

used an old Curt brake box mounted under the steering wheel on the panel in between my knees but closer to my right knee using 3M heavy velcro, so I can see the lights on it.

no trouble lights on the dash. And it seems to work great with my 18ft car hauler flatbed. can't wait to try it on the camper that we are picking up soon.

hope that helps some.
That does help and seems like a viable solution. It is dumb that it requires that much effort. I ended up ordering this:

https://www.etrailer.com/Brake_Controller/Curt/C51180.html

Should be here Monday. No wires and nothing to mount in the cab.
 

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longbowamo

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thehangingchad

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Looks like a good alternative. Let us know how you like it.
I tested the curt wireless brake controller yesterday and it performed flawlessly. I was very impressed with the ease of use and the fact there was no requirement for a hard wire install. If you are looking for a solution for a brake controller, do not have the brake controller plug, did not get the factory tow installed, or do not want to hard wire a brake controller in the cab I highly recommend it.
 

longbowamo

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I tested the curt wireless brake controller yesterday and it performed flawlessly. I was very impressed with the ease of use and the fact there was no requirement for a hard wire install. If you are looking for a solution for a brake controller, do not have the brake controller plug, did not get the factory tow installed, or do not want to hard wire a brake controller in the cab I highly recommend it.

Awesome thanks
 

sheram

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I tested the curt wireless brake controller yesterday and it performed flawlessly. I was very impressed with the ease of use and the fact there was no requirement for a hard wire install. If you are looking for a solution for a brake controller, do not have the brake controller plug, did not get the factory tow installed, or do not want to hard wire a brake controller in the cab I highly recommend it.
I have the same controller and love it-stumbled on it in a search. Local guy who has wired my last 2 Wranglers was blown away and ordered some for his shop
 

JLURmojito

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THE DEFINITIVE SOLUTION to install brake control WITHOUT dash error lights
To add a bit of credibility - I am a RVDA Certified Technician (camper mechanic) and work at the largest RV dealer in central Wisconsin. We install a TON of brake controls, and I have a strong electrical background and understanding. I own a 2019 JLUR with factory tow.

From what I can tell NO ONE makes a brake control wiring harness for the 2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler (new body style) w/ factory tow pkg.

Curt lists one (51458)– but I have confirmed that it is incorrectly pinned and will not work.

The reason none of the existing harnesses will work is the same as the problem that plagued the 2013-2014 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks that took tekonsha 3 years to develop a harness that wouldn’t fry the truck computer… When manually operating the brake control – the controller will send voltage back into the dark side of the brake light switch to activate the vehicle and trailer brake lights. On a 13-14 RAM, the “switch” isnt a switch… it’s a computer. Send power into it where it doesn’t belong and you got a new stinky paperweight. The harness that tekonsha developed has a diode (check valve for electrical) in-line on the brake signal wire (red). This allows the vehicle to send power to activate the brake control, but prevents the brake control from sending power back to the vehicle to activate the lights on override.

Several of you have found that the Tekonsha 3014 harness works! ...well, until your dash lit up like a Christmas tree...
The 3014 harness has the correct plug and the correct pinout - that's why it works, but it is missing the diode that is required to block the brake control from sending voltage back into the computer.
I have EVERY tekonsha quick harness in stock. I grabbed a 3014 and confirmed it to plug into my jeep. Then I pulled every harness with the correct vehicle side plugin and compared...

My findings are;

The 3014 harness is a direct fit – but does not have a diode.

The 3021 harness fits – it needs the black and blue wires swapped and also does not have a diode.

The 3023 harness will not fit as it has two separate connectors. (a separate connector is used for the brake signal wire)

The 3024 harness fits – it needs the black and blue wires swapped and ALREADY HAS A DIODE INSTALLED!

The 3065 harness fits – the whole pinout is messed up, it’s intended for a Ford. (the first four harnesses are all Chrysler)


Coincidently, the “fit chart” for the Curt harness (51458) that is listed for the new wrangler matches the Tekonsha 3024 “fit chart”.

I’m not a Curt fan - reasons are mostly based upon ethics with how they treat the retailers that handle their products... However, because they listed it as fitting the new JL, I contacted their dealer tech line and confirmed that the harness DOES have the required diode, and that the pinout of the vehicle plug DOES NOT MATCH their 51460 harness (same as the 3014 that "works" but messes with the dash lights). They published 51458 fit compatibility with the new JL without even confirming that it works!!!!!
To give them credit - their tech that I spoke with was very polite and provided me with the pinouts and confirmation of the presence of a diode within the brake signal wire in an educated way. (not like at the auto parts counter when you ask for a 3157 headlamp and they ask you what kind of vehicle it is for...) He was also intrigued to hear my findings - we will see if they make an addendum to the fit guide that the black and blue pins have to be swapped for the new JL...

Anyway, I have not seen a company that offers a DIRECT fit harness for the new wrangler (or even mentions making it work), so while we wait a couple years for the aftermarket to flip two wires and come up with a new part number, the rest of us can use the tekonsha 3024 harness and swap the black and blue wires. (bonus – if this harness is installed without swapping the wires, it will not cause any damage to the vehicle or controller, the controller just wont power up!)

NOW, I must add that the diode DISABLES the ability for the brake controller to illuminate the brake lights on the vehicle and trailer under override. (only an issue when using the manual "slider" button on the brake control... typically only used to setup brake controller, testing trailer brakes, and in emergent situations)
I don't want to get into legalities, so check with your own state... It is my understanding that in California (maybe some other states too) it is REQUIRED BY LAW that the brake lights illuminate any time ANY braking force is applied. If you travel through any state that has this requirement, an ADDITIONAL harness (30235) can be installed to add that functionality while maintaining the protection of the computer. The text right from Tekonshas part description "California Compliant - Our Brake Control Stop Light Adapter is designed for brake controls and/or vehicles that do not activate the stop lights on a trailer when the manual lever of the brake control is engaged. This is necessary in the state of California."

Parts needed:
Tekonsha Harness #3024
Tekonsha Brake Light Kit #30235 (only required in states that require brake lights when using override)
Proportional Brake Controller of Choice (do NOT get a timer based controller - they only to make you legal, they are not safe)

If you made it all the way to the end - thanks! I can get a little long winded, but I am very analytical and detailed...

If any of you ever need a brake controller installed for fear of modifying a harness - or need any camper related work, I am very proud of our dealership. We just had a couple guys finish their technician certification - We now have the most RVDA certified technicians at any single facility in the entire state! Not too bad for a little mom and pop shop! I am in the process of setting up a blog with technical how-to write-ups on RV related topics, a lot like this one! Check out our website if you are interested. www.greenewayrv.com

Happy Jeeping!
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