There are tons of threads around these parts about brake controllers and installs, but here is mine
Items Needed:
Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller
Tekonsha Wire Harness For Toyota P/N: 3040-P (Linky)
Size 10 Socket
String
2x Zip Tie
Self Adhesive Velcro (2 inch x 3 inch rectangle should do)
Time Needed:
30 minutes to 1 hour depending on how careful you are and if you know how you want to place the controller
I disconnected my battery during the install. This was a precautionary measure to ensure I didn't short anything out.
Directions:
1. Figure out where you want to put the controller. I decided to put mine in the pocket between the ciggy lighter and the power outlet.
2. Remove the driver's side kick panel. This is where the pigtail is located from the factory.
The plug has a blank connector on the end. Make sure to take this off as your adapter won't fit on the end of this (I must have tried for 5 minutes......)
There it is!
3. Remove the ciggy lighter / power port unit from the truck. This is all once piece. In order to remove this, I just put my thumbs inside the lighter hole and power hole and wiggled the unit out. It should just snap out.
4. Now it is time to string the wire harness from the kick panel to the dash area where we are doing the install. You will notice that there isn't a whole lot of room back there, or obvious holes to get the adapter through. I found a space around a vent tube that went through. It was deep in the dash area and not easy to get to, so I tied some string to the end of a couple zip ties hooked together. I did this so I could tie the string to the plug on the adapter and help pull it through the dash.
Through the other side.
5. I then tied the string to the plug and pulled it through. Keep in mind it isn't as easy as pull as hard as you can. I pulled the string with one hand and guided the wire bundle with the other. This produced positive results.
6. I don't have any pictures of this, but I dremeled out a hole in the back of the pocket to get the plug through.
7. I then placed the controller in the hole and sat in the truck until I could find a spot that I liked. I then removed the two pieces of wax paper from the velcro and stuck one piece inside of the pocket and one on top of the controller. I realize this will make a sticky mess if I ever want to take it off of the controller, but a little go-gone will take care of that.
8. Once you get the controller where you want it, you are almost set.
9. The wire harness comes with a white ground wire. For some reason, mine wasn't long enough to make it to the grounding post by the driver's side kick panel, so I cut the end off and added a few inches of white wire so it would make it. Here is where the grounding post is...it should be pretty obvious.
10. Finished product. I zip tied the wires under the dash so they wouldn't hang down. That is up to you of course.
I used velcro b/c I wanted to be able to easily remove the controller for use in someone else's vehicle if needed. As well, I did drill some holes in the pocket, but I wasn't happy with the position that the mounting hardware put the controller in when it was all installed. It stuck too far out with the quick dis-connect harness installed. The velco is easy and if you get a sizable piece, you will be set as the controller won't move around.
Good luck with your installs. Let me know if you have any questions.
PS...here's a picture of the wire harness you get when you order it online. This was a nice piece and was happy with it. Much better than having to crimp / solder all of those wires.
__________________
-Steve
2007 Toyota Tundra Crewmax Limited 5.7 2wd TRD White, Sonar, Cold kit, 20% tint, 3M Clearbra, XM Radio; N-fab Nerf Bars, Line-X, 275/70-18 Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armors
2007 Polaris Sportsman 700 EFI Best toy ever (Rear basket, front rack, hand guards, K&N filter) http://truedelta.com/ Good alternative to Consumer Reports CBTMA- Member
Last edited by stevencrosbie; 04-19-2009 at 05:35 PM.
Beer please! CBTMA (Member and Founding Father: Est. August 15, 2008)
Clicky>>> What The Heck is CBTMA
Unknown - "The biological purpose of pain is to prevent the recurrence of stupidity."
Thanks y'all. I got it in sale at a "going out of buisiness" Sportsman's Wearhouse. Got it for 85 bucks (40% off).
I can't wait to try it out!
You gaylord folker!!! haha j/k.
I think i paid $129 less a $20 mail in rebate when we got ours; plus the harness. You got one heluva deal.
They are IMO the best controller you can buy, and it comes with a LT warranty. From what i've heard is, tekonsha is VERY good with their warranty issues as well.
Just make sure to follow the proper procedure to dial it in, so it will work best for you. I think you need to go 25 mph and then pull the lever; if the trailer brakes lock up, lower the voltage down just a little bit until they won't lock up. Ballpark figure........usually between 7.0 & 8.5, depending on the weight and age of the trailer.
Awsome write up and pics Steve. My P3 is on it's way and I planned on installing it this weekend. You have saved me a bunch of time and effort. Just need to get some velcro...........
I got my velcro at an arts / crafts store (Michaels).....not the manliest of places....
Hope it works out for you!
I am sure it will, you have taken all of the hard work out, I just need to follow the directions. I just bought a 27' toy hauler. This has all been a new experience for me. A good one I might add.............
This forum has given be some great information thanks to all..........
Deciding how / where to install mine took the longest as well. I just decided to tear the truck apart and make a decision as I go. The velcro thing just kinda worked out in the end.
I've had no problems with the install either. The display is easy to see and the brake lever is easy to reach.
__________________
-Steve
2007 Toyota Tundra Crewmax Limited 5.7 2wd TRD White, Sonar, Cold kit, 20% tint, 3M Clearbra, XM Radio; N-fab Nerf Bars, Line-X, 275/70-18 Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armors
2007 Polaris Sportsman 700 EFI Best toy ever (Rear basket, front rack, hand guards, K&N filter) http://truedelta.com/ Good alternative to Consumer Reports CBTMA- Member
Thanks for the write up. I did the install today.With the help of this write up it went well. I dont have any pics sorry. I did use velcro also. I did remove the little plastic piece on top of controller. So I could get the controller to sit alittle closer to the top of the cubby. I was really scared of removing the cubby. I did not want to break anything. I found it to finally come out by removing the top of it first. By pushing with my thumbs in the center and pulling down and out. It took me a half and hour trying to look and not break it. But all went well and thanks.
i just installed mine like this as well. i screwed mine in. it was kind of a pain in the ***.....but i got it done. velcro would work, but i have no plans of removing mine, so i just screwed it in....
FYI - it is screwed to the top of the compartment. i took that little plastic piece off the top of the controller, and had to grind part of the bracket off so it would fit in the compartment...
Thanks for the DIY on the install. Saved me a ton of time.
I ordered my P3 and toyota 3040 harness from ebay $129 for both and free shipping.
I ended up removing the trim panel under the steering wheel, two 10mm bolts and in popped right off. I followed the white air temp sensor tube(limited model with dual air temp sensors) and was able to push the 3040 harness with no trouble across with my hands (No fishing!!!!).
Very easy install. Thanks again for the install pictures.
Tekonsha P3 Install in Crewmax
(I must have tried for 5 minutes......
)
Re: Tekonsha P3 Install in Crewmax
you'll love that controller.
Linear Mode
