Installing Brake Controller 2007 RTX

[NJFishing]

After some reccomendations from people here on this great site, I decided that I am going to install an electronic break controller for towing my Coleman pop up which is eqipped with electric brakes. This is an RTX with the towing package already installed and the wiring supplosedly set up for a controller.

My problem is I can't seem to find the empty 4 pin connector that is supposed to be buried up underneath the dash that I'm supposed to plug the controller into.

Can anyone tell me where it's supposed to be located on the RTX.

Thanks a million..... I'm a pretty big guy and back is killing me already

[Just Ask]

It helps to by a contortionist! I finally figured out that I wouldn't have to stand on my head - literally - if I removed the knee-level piece of trim under the steering wheel, I would be able to do it in a little bit better position. As far as where that little booger is located (taped out of view on mine) look here - post #8:

Brake Controller--Pre 08/05

[NJFishing]

Thanks a million...... You just saved me a ton of frustration and a back ache

[NJFishing]

Just a follow up to let you know I'm all sqaured away and the controller is working fine.....Once again I appreciate the help.

A little tip that might help others..... As mentioned above the space is tight and it's awakward trying to get your hands and face up there to find the plug and then plug the brake controller plug in. Best way I found to accomplish this was to move the drivers seat back as far as it will go, lower it all the way down and tilt the seat back all the way back so it's flat like you'd be laying on it. You lay on the seat face up with your feet up by the head rest and get your head and shoulders on the floor of the truck so you can get a good view of things and have both hands to work with.

Sorry no pics

[Just Ask]

We don't need install pics, but we do need pics of the RL and the Coleman!

[NorCalMike]

Originally Posted by NJFishing

After some reccomendations from people here on this great site, I decided that I am going to install an electronic break controller for towing my Coleman pop up which is eqipped with electric brakes. This is an RTX with the towing package already installed and the wiring supplosedly set up for a controller.

My problem is I can't seem to find the empty 4 pin connector that is supposed to be buried up underneath the dash that I'm supposed to plug the controller into.

Can anyone tell me where it's supposed to be located on the RTX.

Thanks a million..... I'm a pretty big guy and back is killing me already

I'm sure you have located the connector by now. Thought I'd post some pictures to show you the location where I mounted my Prodigy brake controller. The location works out just fine for me. I can intuitively slide my right hand past my knee and activate the manual brake feature without taking my eyes of the road. Hope this helps.

[94 Accord EX F250 owner]

Originally Posted by NorCalMike

I'm sure you have located the connector by now. Thought I'd post some pictures to show you the location where I mounted my Prodigy brake controller. The location works out just fine for me. I can intuitively slide my right hand past my knee and activate the manual brake feature without taking my eyes of the road. Hope this helps.

I chose to install my one the left side. A close read of the instructions say to keep a cell phone away from controller; I plug mine in the power plug next to the right hand location..

[RiverFisher]

NorCalMike- Can you post the exact make and model number of your controller (and approximate cost)? I am just looking into this and want to buy something that other ROC members have proven will work.
Thanks
RF

[Webwader]

RiverFisher, that's a Tekonsha Prodigy controller. I also have one and have used it in my last two vehicles. It's the most popular controller on the market and works very well. You can learn more about it here. I haven't checked for the lowest prices lately but you can get them for about $95 at places like etrailer.com or rvwholesalers.com. A universal wiring harness comes with the unit, but Tekonsha also makes a Honda specific harness for about $15. It plugs right into the Honda plug rather than having to wire in the universal one.

[mugen1]

See where the brake controller is installed in post number 6? If you take that part of the dash off, the plug is much easier to see and get at. No need to lie on your back or curl up like a cat. To take that part of the dash off, you need to take the cover on the left hand side of the dash, off (the cover that is parallel to the door when closed). Once that cover is off, you will see the one and only screw that holds the lower panel to the rest of the dash. The rest of the lower dash is held together with clips. You still need to disconnect the switches and the one plastic hose, but they are easy to remove and replace. I think you have to loosen the door gasket a bit as well.

Any time you take pieces of the dash apart, you should use one of them plastic panel removers. It's one of those must have tools. I bought the ones that Honda recommends, but there are other inexpensive ones out there. For fellow Canadians, Princess Auto has them (used to be 7 bucks for the whole set until they figured out other people were selling them for three to four times as much).

While I'm at it, if any of you have had a difficult time reinstalling the trim pieces for the seats, you'll have a much easier time if you take the time to remove the metal clips from the trim pieces and putting them back onto the metal frame prior to smacking the pieces back in. I mention this because I finally decided to put the plastic trim pieces back after the stereo install last year I wondered why the pieces weren't going back in easily, until I looked a little closer. The metal clips are designed to grab the plastic tabs of the trim piece like crazy. So strong that the clips do not stay in the frame.

I could have left the trim pieces off, but the seat bolts and frame that are rusting from the leaks I had in the RL are starting to bug me a lot. Must cover it up and forget it ever happened.

Anyway, four topics in one.............. gotta be a record.