Brake control install write up.

Decided to go a head and hard mount my brake control today. Figured I do a write up on it for you guys and gals.

Used a Reese Pilot controller because I liked the single hole mounting and I have had good luck with this model in the past.

First things first you need to remove the door threshold trim. Pretty straight forward just gently pull up on it and it comes right off.

Now remove the drivers kick panel by removing the push nut above the foot rest and then pop the two clips on the side closest to the door. These can be tricky to line back up on reassembly so pay close attention to how they come out.

Now it is time to mount the controller to the kick panel. The Pilot has a single hole in the center for mounting that is 3/16" dia. I found where I wanted it and drilled my hole. The fastener I used is a stainless 10-24 machine screw with an acorn nut. I purchased a 2" long screw and trimmed it to the exact length with my crimpers.

Wiring time! I had ordered the plug and play harness for this truck so it was easy just located the factory plug behind the kick panel and plugged it in to the truck and then into the Pilot controller. Zip tied the excess length up and re installed the kick panel and threshold molding.


Took the truck for a drive and had some interference with my foot while using the foot rest. With the single bolt install this was an easy fix. I just adjusted the angle and I was in business.

This install is on a TRD OR with 6speed manual and factory towing package other models ma vary on installation process.

 

Not bad at all is it? Nice when the everything is pre-wired.

 

It literally took longer to take all the pictures than to do the instal. If you have any mechanical ability at all you should be able to handle this project. Having been a mechanic for 25 years my self I found the factory pig tail a nice addition.

 

I installed my Tekonsha POD brake controller over the weekend, after moving it from my 2013 DCLB Sport to my new 2016 DCSB OR. The pigtail is for a Tundra and the install went real well. You can still reach the tire reset button under the controller, and it doesn't interfere with my legs or getting in or out. Been real happy with the POD, I think Reese makes identical one by a different name.

 

Will any of these in the change holder?

 

Thanks for doing the write up. I am suppose to pick up my pig tail from dealer this week. I will be doing my controller this weekend.

 

Alright I seriously feel special. I cannot find my plug in for a brake controller under the kick panel. Anyone have some specific instructions? I'm sure I have the tow package. Truck came with transmission cooler, class iv hitch, and 7 pin connector. It's a 2016 trd sport with upgrade package. Please help lol.

 

Mine was tucked in behind a big bundle of wires. I missed it the first time I looked, but I finally found it by running my hand down the bundle of wires that comes from the firewall. I'll try to snap a pic for you this evening if you need it.

 

You nailed it. Found it. Brake control installed and looks great. Thanks!

 

Hi im having trouble finding my plug can someone post a pic. Mine is a 16 trd sport with 7 way in the bumper

 

Just like glider says. Take off your kick panel and look for the bunch of wires coming through the fire wall. Once you have the bundle check behind it and the plug is there. I had trouble with it too. But it is there. There is only enough slack on the wires to get it out from behind the bundle, but there is enough for your wiring harness to the controller to plug in. Good luck!

 

Awesome! Glad I could help.

They hid it pretty good on mine. Like Diego says, it is pretty short ... just enough to pull it out and plug your pigtail in. But, as long as you have the tow package it should be there. I'll try to snap a pic this evening if the nasty weather lets up.

 

Tekonsha will fit in the cubby just right. I got the P3

 

Where did you get this controller and harness? I have looked on the Reese site but nothing comes up when I select a 2016 Tacoma

 

I got my controller from a trailer place in town, a Tekonsha pod. The harness I bought from toyota. Had a Tekonsha hook up on it so that was easy. Plug and play. All the other controllers I looked at were different style plus so they would have had to been spliced to the harness

 

I recived my controler and pigtail i was installing it today but seen my black and blue wires position are reversed on the harness from my 2016 sport and new pig tail for the 2016 tundr .is this a manufacturer mistake or do i go ahead and plug it ln?

 

The Tundra harness is the same

 

I would really appreciate a photo...I've searched and searched and can't find it...2016 Limited.

NEVER MIND!!!

Went back out the fourth time and found it! The trick was looking behind the bundle of wires coming from the firewall...and you're correct...very hard to pull it out far enough to hook the wire from the controller to.

Thanks a lot for your write-up! Invaluable for me!

 

Glad you found it! Took me two tries to find it too. You don't need it to come far out. Your harness to the brake controller will more than reach. Where you mounting the controller? I put mine right under the switches for the bed. Wish it would have fit in the change tray though.

 

Mine is a VERY tight fit in that little change tray so I popped it out, cut a hole in the back of it to feed the cable thru and stuck it in there.