Brake Controller for Colorado

Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 15, 2011 at 19:54
ThreadID: 85031 Views:12384 Replies:4 FollowUps:2
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Hi Everyone,
I have just purchased a Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller which I am installing to my Colorado, could anyone tell me which wire I need to hook into that comes from the brake switch, normally there is only 2 wires but I have cruise control fitted and there is 4 wires.
Thanks to all who can help.
Peter.
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Reply By: Paul G K (vic) - Tuesday, Mar 15, 2011 at 20:32

Tuesday, Mar 15, 2011 at 20:32
Peter
The easiest way is to run a wire to the back of the car and connect to the stop light wire.

Paul
AnswerID: 448366

Reply By: Member - The Bushwhackers -NSW - Tuesday, Mar 15, 2011 at 20:41

Tuesday, Mar 15, 2011 at 20:41
Hi Peteraw

The instructions on my prodigy tell me to connect to the COLD side of the stop light switch : ie the one that has power ONLYwhen the brake pedal activates the stop light circuit.

Best way to find this I guess, is to use a multimeter while depressing the brake pedal.

Cheers, Dave

AnswerID: 448367

Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Tuesday, Mar 15, 2011 at 22:38

Tuesday, Mar 15, 2011 at 22:38
Peter,

I installed a different brake controller (Redarc) but the connections would be the same.

The Colorado is not "user friendly" as far as connecting into the wiring circuit.
There is no real point in running an extra wire to the rear brake light as there isn't any point to connect to, apart from splicing into the brake wire itself.

This is easier to do within the cabin area of the vehicle.

First of all, remove one of the rear brake light assemblies and determine the colour code of the wire that connects to the brake light itself. This colour code will be the same on both sides of the vehicle.

Secondly, remove the floor sill strip on the left hand front passenger side to enable the removal of the kick panel on the front left side. Behind this is the wiring loom that includes the brake wire circuit coming from the rear brake lights.

Identify the brake light wire (by its colour code) and test you have the right wire via a multimeter. You can push a pin through the insulation the provide sufficient connection for the multimeter to show a 12 volt supply, only when the brake pedal is activated.
This is the wire you need to connect the Prodigy's brake sensing wire to.

I used a displacement type connector but other people will insist you need to strip the insulation back and solder the wires together. (Not necessary in my opinion)

Now, one thing I would like to know.
How the hell are you going to mount the Prodigy and its cradle under the dash in a position that doesn't protrude enough that your knees don't bang it?
This was the reason I chose a remote head Redarc brake controller.
The indicator light and adjustment knob mount beautifully in the two spare switch blanks to the left side of the steering wheel and this is all you see, with the controller itself mounted well up underneath the rear of the dash panel, against the fire wall.

Good luck with your installation Peter.


Bill.
Bill


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AnswerID: 448379

Follow Up By: peteraw - Saturday, Mar 19, 2011 at 18:12

Saturday, Mar 19, 2011 at 18:12
Hi Bill,
Thanks for the info re brake controller, I fitted the prodigy unit into where the ash tray fits, fits in really well and looks neat, lucky I don't smoke.
A question, where did you get your power supply from for your controller, I am trying to find a place to run the the cable from the battery into the cab to supply power to the controller, not a easy task.
Regards
Peter.
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FollowupID: 720907

Follow Up By: Rosss- Saturday, Mar 19, 2011 at 19:01

Saturday, Mar 19, 2011 at 19:01
Just below and beside the brake booster is a plastic bung in the firewall, just knock it out and your in, thats where I have run all my cables into the cab.
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FollowupID: 720913

Reply By: taswegian - Wednesday, Mar 16, 2011 at 09:20

Wednesday, Mar 16, 2011 at 09:20
G'day Peter,

Remove bottom section of dash drivers side 3 screws --1 on console side --2 holding bonnett release lever,then prise off, this will allow very easy access to the brake switch the cold wire is red with a whiite dot.Push a 1/4'' straight spade connector into the back of the wire holder along side the wire end cllip hold in place with a wire tye. NOTE, this circuit should only be ''alive'' when pedal is pushed.

Cheers, Tassie.
AnswerID: 448404

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