Is there a way to add an electric brake wire to the Sequoia trailer wiring harness that doesn't void Toyota's warranty?
I've talked with a couple camping/trailer stores and no one wants to touch this job without Toyota doing the brake wire first. I've talked to 2 Toyota dealers who have no idea if or how this can be done.
I'm willing to do the job myself if it can be done without damaging anything electrically.
I can't believe Toyota would void the warranty for an e-brake controller, as this is essential for any towing that uses a significant portion of the Sequoia's towing capacity.
The whole reason I'm Sequoia shopping is because I need to be able to tow more than my Tacoma and Sienna are rated to tow. Wiring for an e-brake controller should be a non-issue. If you buy the parts you might be able to have your dealer install them for you ...
You can add a trailer brake controller without voiding any warranty. Whoever told you that is full of it.
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. 2302(C))
This federal law regulates warranties for the protection of consumers. The essence of this law concerning aftermarket auto parts is that a vehicle manufacturer may not condition a written or implied warranty on the consumers using parts or services which are identified by brand, trade, or corporate name (such as the vehicle makers brand) unless the parts or service are provided free of charge. The law means that the use of an aftermarket part alone is not cause for denying the warranty. However, the law's protection does not extend to aftermarket parts in situations where such parts actually caused the damage being claimed under the warranty. Further, consumers are advised to be aware of any specific terms or conditions stated in the warranty which may result in its being voided. The law states in relevant part:
“No warrantor of a consumer product may condition his written or implied warranty of such product on the consumers using, in connection with such product, any article or service (other than article or service provided without charge under the terms of the warranty) which is identified by brand, trade or corporate name....” (15 U.S.C. 2302(C)).
PS - you can easily add a brake controller to the Sequoia, in the same manner as done in a Tundra. See "INFO: Trailer Brake Controller " in the "Garage" Lighting & Electronics forum.
I am not sure about the warranty, but I added one to my 2002 SR5 Sequoia a few months ago. I installed a Tekonsha Prodigy and it works great. To do this, I brought a +12 VDC line with a fuse right off the battery in through a grommet in the fire wall and took my trailer brake wire out through a grommet in the same area. I got my ground from a good hunk of metal under the dash. As for the wire needed to connect to the brake pedal switch, I soldered it right to the correct part of the rear brake pedal switch on its back. I then took these two wires to the back along the frame rails.
I have a 5000 lb Travel Trailer that I have pulled about 2,500 miles this summer and the truck just has worked fantastic with one exception. Going to Disney, we go around 8.9 miles to the gallon. Ouch!!!
If you remember what wire/wires you tapped into for the brake feed will you post that here? I'm going to do a search for that controller you mentioned.
Thanks,
Ken
I tried looking up at the brake switch to see which wire I used on the brake pedal switch, but I couldn't tell for sure. I would have to pull off the lower part of the dash to check it. Usually, the brake controller manuals tell you how to find it using an ohm meter. All I can say is that it looks like the Blue wire with the red hash lines on it, but I am not sure. Please verify it yourself. What did work very well, was soldering the wire to the back of the switch. I tried using a 3M splicer, put there just isn't enought room.
Somewhere on this website there is very good directions on how to install a brake controller, but I am not sure where I found it. I think one of the moderators found it for me. If I find it, I will post where I found it here.
Thanks, Doug. I'll look around for that thread. I might see if I can take a look at a wiring diagram at my Toyota dealer, too. I'm not in a big hurry, as my towing season is just about over.
Ken
I have a 2001 Tundra, is it prewired for towing a trailer? It appears to have a three wire plug under left kick panel. How do I wire for trailer brakes. It has the towing pkg on the Tundra.
I have a 2002 Toyota Sequoia with the 4-Flat trailer connector factory installed. I need to add a brake controller & wire it in without a wiring nightmame. I also need to run a hot wire to the new 7 pin connector. If any one has done this, you help would be greatly appreciated. Patrick J My e-mail is patrickjodonnell1@msn.com
How to add electric brake wire?
Linear Mode
