New (disappointed) Tundra owner

This is to let every one know that I had A brake controller installed to day on my 4.6 L 2018 tundra and it is working just fine, they hard wire it in because you can not buy A after market wiring harness plug yet, its A tekonsha 90160 not the top of the line but I really like it. Installations unlimited in syracuse NY Installed it, I had to go there because I leased the truck. If you own the truck it would be better to take it to A RV place. It might not cost as much, the price for me was around $250.00..... So they can be installed.

 

This is my first time on this board and I found this site because apparently I’m having the same issue as other people with the Toyota Tundra SR 4.6. Truck has the 7 pin connector on the back but apparently no trailer brake quick connect.

I popped the panel off near the traction control and my truck does have an extra connector taped to the traction control connector, but not two like I have seen in other pictures. No big white one like what will fit most harnesses. This does not appear to be a plug and play for brakes, but possibly a tow haul connector. The manual shows the plug and play here... but I believe this is on the larger motor only. (Definitely not the SR 4.6)

Contacted dealer and was told it had to be hard wired. This is not a surprise or a huge deal... but dealer quoted me $850. Lol. Called around to a few places that work on trailers and found a place here that will hard wire it in for very cheap.

If you’ve found this site while searching for a harness... don’t get your hopes up... just call around and get it wired in like the last guy said and definitely safer than going without.

 

I cannot locate anything either. New OEM controller worthless regardless of what dealer told me upon sale.

 

Found the connectors (yes two) behind the glove box and passenger kick panel. I had to remove the glove box to get to both of the connectors to probe them. The connector behind the kick panel has the 30 amp constant hot coming from the fuse box under the hood (black wire) and the blue wire that goes to the 7 pin trailer connector at the hitch. That connector does not have the brake pedal wire in it though. The brake pedal wire is in the second connector just to the left of the first. The brake wire is also a blue wire on the factory side, but a much smaller gage wire. I did not want to cut into the factory harness, so I removed the pins from the Tekonsha adapter that I had purchased thinking it would work and inserted them into the factory harness connectors. Be sure to ground the white wire from your brake controller harness. I included a couple of pictures to help identify it's location and pins.
BTW - I also secured the wires to the factory harness with zip ties so the connections would not inadvertently become unplugged.

 

I tested the harness points documented in the pictures in post #126, and while my setup isn't as neat as @dPfadt's, it seems to be working perfectly for my Tek P3. Thanks so much for the clear pictures!

Prior to doing this hookup, I reached out to tekonsha for some guidance and received an email that they WON'T be making a harness for the Tundra 2018, but they nicely sent me the attached tech tip.

 

Question about post #126. if I wire this way do I need to add fuse or circuit breaker? I'm also going to install the Tek P3

 

Wait, we can add a tow/haul button to the 4.6L? And it will function?

 

I’m so glad to find this thread. I’ve been wondering about all this. Thanks for all the info.

 

I wired like post #126 and use brake controller P3 tek and all is good. Took awhile to find a video on how to remove glove box.

 

In TX, the trailer brake requirement is determined by the trailer weight. Any trailer over 4500# requires brakes, regardless of weight of the tow vehicle. https://www.dps.texas.gov/cve/brakes.htm

 

That's a fact. First dealership I was at for my Tundra the guy knew nothing about it. I would expect them to know at least horsepower and torque numbers but he was not all that educated. So here's this guy (me) in his lot telling him about the the tower seals and picking apart everything that came out of his mouth. I like Toyota but he is still just some guy trying to do a job and that is definitely fallible.

 

Quick question...will the Toyota dealer order the tow/haul switch for me or can I find it somewhere else? And what kinda price?

 

UPDATE
So I decided to order the factory controller and it did plug right in and power up. However, the computer would not display the towing options on the vehicle information display screen at the cluster panel. I then had the dealer contact Toyota to see if they could program the computer to read the factory controller which plugged right in, and Toyota techs basically said that since it was a 4.6L the computer did not have the software to read the controller. They, Toyota, stated that the software is tied to the ABS and VSC, etc. etc. and that it's more complicated than just updating the software. So, I will be following through with a hard wire install and it looks like there has been some great post on how some have done it.

 

WELCOME!!

 

Thank you!!! Hooked it up just like this and works like a dream! Not having to splice into the wiring of the stock harnesses is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks again dPfadt!

 

Subbed

 

If it has 7 pin connector in back it is definitely wired for brake controller. That is what the connector is for but buy a tekonsha and the adapter you will be all set

 

sorry for your bad deal, call a good lawyer, and BBB and your state attorney general office

 

Welcome from Ct.

 

Do what everyone is saying get a p3 and enjoy your trailer
grant1047

 

Where in the world are all these new handles coming from?
Oh and never trust a salesman. Always do your own research

 

Lol, this guy was active for 2 days a year ago and people are still giving him advice. The forum has put more thought into his purchase than he did.

 

Sales people will say anything to get you to buy the vehicle, it's their job.

Speak with parts & service personnel about specifics, and do your research BEFORE buying.

 

I wouldn’t even trust parts and service folks at my local dealer.

 

Mine are trustworthy & ethical ... lucky me.

 

Hi Tundra guys,
I'm nem member, just recently buy 2019 Tundra 4.6 sr and try to find a way to hook up Teknosha P3 control than I start reading your comments on electronic brake controlor, so I open panel on right driver site and found black small plug connector than open fuse box and find all relays and fuses already installed for brake controlor and haul and tow package
I don't have buttons for tow and haul but I wonder can I add one? Thanks

 

I have a 2016 SR5 4.6 litter. I didnt Come equipped with a tow/haul button but had no issues towing a small big Tex trailer helping my brother move. I kept Speed limit to 60/65 mph and under 2,000 RPM. Do i really need a tow/haul button, what can i add Or how can i add A plug &play one? No too familiar with all this stuff or what the advantages are.

 

So when i removed the panel i found These two wires is one of these for the tow/haul ?

 

Going to do this mod tomorrow, hope it works

 

Thanks for sharing this, it saved me from pulling my hair out!