Sarge
Well-known member
Sounds perfect, then, really.
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Trailer Brake Controller install
- Thread starter saleen032
- Start date
Bluechablis
New member
I have a brand new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit and trying to install the Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake controller but couldn't find the interface connector. There is a panel under the dash up against the door opening on the driver side which has the Data Port but I couldn't figure out how to remove it fearing I would snap something off. Is the connector behind that panel? If so can someone describe how to remove it. Do I pry with lateral pressure or does it pull straight back toward the rear? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I looked everywhere else under the driver side dash and could not find it anywhere.
My Limited has the Trailer tow package, and the connector was behind the drivers front side kickpanel. The connector was/is gray and was taped to a harness. The panel comes off very easily...This is the same panel that has the access cover for the manual park release. see pages 294-295 of your owners manual . If you bought the wiring adapter from RedArc, then it just plugs right into the connector.
CaliforniaDreamin
Member
I installed a Redarc controller in my SR. Look in your owners manual for how to access the parking brake override. The only other panel you have to remove to access the connector (I’m sure you already did) is the felt one below and behind the kick panel containing the airbag bag. It was taped back down behind the parking brake override. On a Summit it should certainly be there. The Redarc harness (for Mopar including JGC/JGCL) plugs right in. I managed to get the Redarc control knob installed in the same place saleen023 did without pulling the kick panel or without disassembling the center console. Not easy but can be done. The console side panels (leather covered in the Summit) need to come off on both sides plus the black panel below that on the drivers side. They pop off with a panel pry tool. Drilling the hole for the control knob with the usb/12v cubby in place needs to be done carefully. There is plastic structure back there you need to clear. I used a mechanics mirror to plan the hole placement. The control knob will fit fine if placed reasonably close to the 12v outlet. I made a simple metal bracket to bolt the Redarc controller to solid structure right at the bottom of the kick panel. Don’t try to tywrap it in place or the accelerometer readings used for brake control can be inconsistent. Good luck!
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Hey folks. Has anyone had success installing an aftermarket brake controller like a Tekonsha Prodigy P2? 2022 GCL Summit. The knee air bag below the steering column pretty much constricts installation to one potential area: An area of trim found below the steering wheel column and above the knee air bag housing. There trim in this area is open to behind so obviously is just cosmetic. Screwing the controller mount here won't affect the adjustable steering wheel, however inflation of the air bags might cause problems. Then again if that was to occur I'd have bigger problems on my hands. It won't be entirely pretty as there will be a bit of exposed wiring, but it will be functional. Anybody go this route or have any suggestions for a successful install? Otherwise it's off to the dealer for their Mopar unit and the loss of the 12V.
Many thanks,
Rob (2022 GCL Summit only 3days old)
Many thanks,
Rob (2022 GCL Summit only 3days old)
JWCJeep
Well-known member
You can have them install it next to the 12V if you will allow them to drill a hole!!!!
eleceng1979
Well-known member
If your vehicle wasn’t sold with the option code for the controller/tow package but had the wiring, they would need to activate the option to enable the harness. This seems sort of unlikely if you have the harness, but possible.
However I see no reason to monkey with Uconnect as the trailer brakes should have nothing to do with it. Key word should not…. Your statement about programming Uconnect seems like a price adder to gouge unless it is enabling an option as mentioned. Someone previously stated $300 ish in parts and $100 ish for install…
JKJenn
Member
Thanks, that is what I thought, too. I did have the factory tow package.
Hey all.. just registered to share some pictures of the trailer brake provision harness on my 2022 WL GC. I assume it's identical on the GCL.
You need to drop the soft silencer panel (just two 'pop up' retainers) and CAREFULLY remove the driver's side kick panel to access it. It was bundled against another harness with electrical tape.. just cut it off.
It appears to be the exact same harness from the WK/WD as mentioned by others. I haven't confirmed yet as I need to order a new adapter (my old car was a KL Cherokee).
I hope this helps someone else find it!
You need to drop the soft silencer panel (just two 'pop up' retainers) and CAREFULLY remove the driver's side kick panel to access it. It was bundled against another harness with electrical tape.. just cut it off.
It appears to be the exact same harness from the WK/WD as mentioned by others. I haven't confirmed yet as I need to order a new adapter (my old car was a KL Cherokee).
I hope this helps someone else find it!
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RichSNJ
Well-known member
Great pics! What is the orange switch you uncovered?
Were you able to remove all of the panels you did without tools, or did you need anything special?
I'm still looking for a good place to mount a redarc as I have an HDMI port next to my 12v outlet, so there's no room in the inn. I was hoping to mount it under the steering wheel somewhere, but I discovered there's an airbag down there I don't relish messing around with...
The orange switch is the manual park release. There is a little door on the kick panel you can open to access it (more information is in the Owner's Manual).
I would recommend a small trim tool (like the orange one I have in the picture that came with my dash cam kit) or a small flathead screwdriver to pop out the silencer panel retainers. In a pinch you can probably do it with a sturdy fingernail or two.
The kick panel is removed with no tools -- it just pulls out. It will 'pop' a number of times as the retaining clips release. Be very careful.. I managed to damage one of the retaining clips. The two most rearward ones were VERY stubborn and required a lot of convincing. Your results may vary. Not thrilled with my work but it looks easily repairable. Hopefully it seats well again when I replace the panel.
I can confirm that the 3045-P is the correct adapter cable (for a Tekonsha unit, at least). It's the same connector as the WK and WD.
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Hi Sarge,
What’s a buyback? I would love one of the new 4xe when they are released … this might be what I’m after!
Sarge
Well-known member
It's what happens when you get a lemon. Generally, you have to meet certain criteria (30 days out of service or 3 failed attempts at the same repair, etc etc.). It varies by state.
In my case I've had nothing but problems for the entire first four months.
However, due to the high prices people are asking, you may be able to sell your WL for around what you paid for it, depending on the model and market, and order the pricier 4xe
In my case I've had nothing but problems for the entire first four months.
However, due to the high prices people are asking, you may be able to sell your WL for around what you paid for it, depending on the model and market, and order the pricier 4xe
Where did you install your Tekonsha P3, and do you have pics? I'm trying to figure out where to install my Prodigy, but the sculpted cockpit and knee airbag are making it difficult to find a decent install point. The Prodigy is very particular to be mounted in-line to the direction of travel. Askew could be a problem.
Otherwise it's either Mopar (dealer still not sure it can be installed since it's not listed as an official GCL accessory), or Redarc. I'd like to keep the front 12V as the only other 12V is in the rear. And either of these 2 install options = massive console disassembly.
Couldn't Jeep have a $700-ish option to include the brake controller at the factory?!?
Thanks,
Rob
I was curious about a pic of something like Tekonsha Prodigy or P3 installed. The knee air bag and sculpted cockpit makes it nearly impossible to install this type of aftermarket as the unit needs to be installed “in line” to motion of travel.
Mixed responses between forum and FCA re:Mopar. GCL is “so new” even Jeep is stumped. I don’t get it.
Anyway going with Mopar/dealer install and I’m hopeful the controller will fit behind steering wheel trim (as per installation PDF).
If I had more free time on my hands, the patience to disassemble the majority of the console, and warmer weather to play, I would install RedArc myself.
Again, there should have been an order/sales code to add this as a factory option.
Rob
Yahoo Square
Member
I couldn't figure out where to mount P3 yet, so this is my temporary solution or I get lazy and it will be like this forever.
Phoenix494
Well-known member
Sure hope that is temporary...
