I have a DrawTite trailer brake controller that keeps throwing an error code. From what I've read that means it's toast so wondering if anyone has knowledge on how to remove? Is it as simple as popping of the lower dash cover and disconnecting or is it more involved? Thanks so much!
Trailer Brake Controller Removal
- Thread starter lcjockey
- Start date
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cboyd
GOLD Star
If you’re considering adding a redarc trailer controller, then just disconnect that drawtite controller and leave the pigtail somewhere. Redarc has several adapters for legacy controllers or you can make up you’re own. Would save you a dive behind the dash to get to the harness.
I did this with my tekonsha controller on my100 successfully. I had to do the dashboard dive on the 200 and it wasn’t that fun…
I did this with my tekonsha controller on my100 successfully. I had to do the dashboard dive on the 200 and it wasn’t that fun…
- Thread starter
- #3
That’s an interesting idea and saw the posts about adding in the redarc system into the left dash panel but for the foreseeable future I don’t plan on towing. Unfortunately there isn’t any disconnection points on the outside of the dash so I’m curious how deep I need to go to disconnect?
No big deal, really. The hardest part of the original installation is finding the factory plug. For an uninstall, that’s easy, just follow the wire! It’s up under the left side of the dash and several other threads will show how to access it. However, your photos seem to show an intermediate connector (maybe and adapter?). If that’s the case, you only need to go that far to unplug.
cboyd
GOLD Star
You might just have to go a little ways in to find where they made the connection the Toyota pigtail. If you can pull the fuse(s), just cut each feed and tape them off. Later you can make a pigtail connection to the redarc - these wires look like standard colors for the harness.
Googling the wiring diagram for the drawtite controller to know how it *should* be wired would be good before you start removing it.
there could be a separate fuse for the controller and then also a fuse or breaker from the battery to the brake line going into the controller.
if you choose to cut them, cut each individually and not across the leads.
as others said, you could just follow it all the way to the point where it plugs to the harness, but I would only do that if you never plan to have a controller again.
Googling the wiring diagram for the drawtite controller to know how it *should* be wired would be good before you start removing it.
there could be a separate fuse for the controller and then also a fuse or breaker from the battery to the brake line going into the controller.
if you choose to cut them, cut each individually and not across the leads.
as others said, you could just follow it all the way to the point where it plugs to the harness, but I would only do that if you never plan to have a controller again.
- Thread starter
- #6
Thanks but what photo are you seeing the intermediate adapter? If I can avoid removing dash panels would be awesome. Thanks again
Oops. I missed the fact that in your first post the second photo had a non-controller plug on the left. Next time I’ll get some more caffeine in me before posting. Looks like you’re going in for factory connector.
