Installation Instructions for T-Connector Adapter for Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape

Part Numbers:

• 118426

Tools Required:

• Drill with 3/32” Drill Bit
• Philips Head Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Wire Crimpers
• Wire Cutters

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Remove the Taillight Assemblies:

   • Open the rear liftgate and remove two screws from both the driver’s and passenger’s side taillight assemblies.
   • Carefully pull the taillights away from the vehicle, ensuring not to damage the alignment pins.

2. Disconnect the Taillight Wiring:

   • On the driver’s side, disconnect the center gray taillight socket.
   • Insert the T-Connector with the yellow wire between the separated halves and ensure the locking tabs are secured.
   • Disconnect the top black taillight socket and plug the T-Connector with the red wire between these halves.

3. Route the Wiring:

   • Route the T-Connector end with the green wire and the 4-flat connector down through the opening between the vehicle bumper and body.
   • Route the green wire to the passenger side, being careful to avoid areas that could damage the wiring.

4. Connect the Passenger Side:

   • On the passenger side, repeat step 2 using the T-Connector with the green wire.
   • Ensure all connectors are fully inserted and locked.

5. Ground the White Wire:

   • Locate a suitable grounding point near the connector, such as the vehicle frame or cross member.
   • Clean the area to remove dirt and rustproofing. Drill a 3/32” hole and secure the white wire using the provided eyelet and screw.
   • Caution: Verify what is behind any surface before drilling to avoid damage or personal injury.

6. Connect the Power Wire:

   • Disconnect the vehicle’s negative (-) battery cable.
   • Remove the fuse from the yellow fuse holder.
   • Attach the ring terminal to the fuse holder wire and connect it to the vehicle’s positive (+) battery cable.
   • Connect the other end of the fuse holder to the black 12-gauge wire using the provided yellow butt connector.

7. Route the Power Wire:

   • Route the black wire from the front of the vehicle along the frame rail to the rear driver’s side.
   • Locate the opening between the vehicle’s rear bumper and body, and route the wire up to the rear driver’s side taillight area.
   • Connect the black wire to the red wire from the T-Connector black box using the supplied yellow butt connector.

8. Reconnect Battery and Install Fuse:

   • Reconnect the vehicle’s negative (-) battery cable.
   • Install the 10-amp fuse into the fuse holder.

9. Secure the Wiring and Black Box:

   • Clean a flat area behind the driver’s side taillight assembly and mount the black box using the provided double-sided tape.
   • Secure all loose wiring using the provided cable ties, avoiding any areas that could pinch or cut the wire.

10. Reinstall the Taillight Assemblies:

    • Position the vehicle wiring harness between the housing and the vehicle body.
    • Reinstall the taillight housings and screws.

11. Test the Installation:

    • Test the T-Connector with a test light or trailer to verify proper functionality.

    Specifications:

    • Max. stop/turn light: 1 per side (2.1 amps).
    • Max. tail lights: (4.2 amps).

Safety Notes:

• Overloading circuits can cause fires. Do not exceed the towing manufacturer’s rating or the unit specifications.
• Test thoroughly to ensure proper functionality.

Manufacturer Notes:

• Follow all warnings and installation instructions provided.
• Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual for additional details.

Installation Instructions for T-Connector Adapter for Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape

Part Numbers:

• 118426

Tools Required:

• Drill with 3/32” Drill Bit
• Philips Head Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Wire Crimpers
• Wire Cutters

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Remove the Taillight Assemblies:

   • Open the rear liftgate and remove two screws from both the driver’s and passenger’s side taillight assemblies.
   • Carefully pull the taillights away from the vehicle, ensuring not to damage the alignment pins.

2. Disconnect the Taillight Wiring:

   • On the driver’s side, disconnect the center gray taillight socket.
   • Insert the T-Connector with the yellow wire between the separated halves and ensure the locking tabs are secured.
   • Disconnect the top black taillight socket and plug the T-Connector with the red wire between these halves.

3. Route the Wiring:

   • Route the T-Connector end with the green wire and the 4-flat connector down through the opening between the vehicle bumper and body.
   • Route the green wire to the passenger side, being careful to avoid areas that could damage the wiring.

4. Connect the Passenger Side:

   • On the passenger side, repeat step 2 using the T-Connector with the green wire.
   • Ensure all connectors are fully inserted and locked.

5. Ground the White Wire:

   • Locate a suitable grounding point near the connector, such as the vehicle frame or cross member.
   • Clean the area to remove dirt and rustproofing. Drill a 3/32” hole and secure the white wire using the provided eyelet and screw.
   • Caution: Verify what is behind any surface before drilling to avoid damage or personal injury.

6. Connect the Power Wire:

   • Disconnect the vehicle’s negative (-) battery cable.
   • Remove the fuse from the yellow fuse holder.
   • Attach the ring terminal to the fuse holder wire and connect it to the vehicle’s positive (+) battery cable.
   • Connect the other end of the fuse holder to the black 12-gauge wire using the provided yellow butt connector.

7. Route the Power Wire:

   • Route the black wire from the front of the vehicle along the frame rail to the rear driver’s side.
   • Locate the opening between the vehicle’s rear bumper and body, and route the wire up to the rear driver’s side taillight area.
   • Connect the black wire to the red wire from the T-Connector black box using the supplied yellow butt connector.

8. Reconnect Battery and Install Fuse:

   • Reconnect the vehicle’s negative (-) battery cable.
   • Install the 10-amp fuse into the fuse holder.

9. Secure the Wiring and Black Box:

   • Clean a flat area behind the driver’s side taillight assembly and mount the black box using the provided double-sided tape.
   • Secure all loose wiring using the provided cable ties, avoiding any areas that could pinch or cut the wire.

10. Reinstall the Taillight Assemblies:

    • Position the vehicle wiring harness between the housing and the vehicle body.
    • Reinstall the taillight housings and screws.

11. Test the Installation:

    • Test the T-Connector with a test light or trailer to verify proper functionality.

    Specifications:

    • Max. stop/turn light: 1 per side (2.1 amps).
    • Max. tail lights: (4.2 amps).

Safety Notes:

• Overloading circuits can cause fires. Do not exceed the towing manufacturer’s rating or the unit specifications.
• Test thoroughly to ensure proper functionality.

Attention:
This is a summary of the installation procedure. For complete installation instructions, including diagrams and detailed information from the manufacturer, please download the full installation PDF.

Technical Support:
For technical support and assistance, our team of experts is available to help. You can reach our tech support by visiting www.trailerjacks.com or calling 877-869-6690.

Warranty Information:
For complete warranty instructions, please download the full installation PDF.

Installation Instructions for 4-Way to 7-Way Adapter and Brake Control Wiring

Tools Required:

• Phillips Head Screwdriver
• Drill with 3/32" Drill Bit
• 10mm Socket & Ratchet or Wrench
• Wire Crimpers
• Wire Cutters
• Test Light or Multimeter
• Cable Ties

Part 1: Install the 4-Way to 7-Way Adapter

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mount the Adapter:

   • Choose a suitable mounting point on the vehicle, typically near the hitch.
   • Use the provided bracket and screws to secure the adapter.

2. Connect the 4-Flat Plug:

   • Plug the 4-flat connector on the adapter into the existing 4-flat plug on the vehicle.
   • This connection enables tail lights, left turn, and right turn signals.

3. Ground the Adapter:

   • Locate a clean, solid grounding point near the adapter.
   • Drill a 3/32" hole if necessary and secure the white ground wire from the adapter using the provided screw and eyelet.

4. Leave Additional Wires Disconnected:

   • The following wires will remain disconnected until Part 2:
     • Black Wire: Power from the battery.
     • Blue Wire: Brake control output.
     • Yellow Wire: Reverse light (optional; leave disconnected unless needed).

5. Test Initial Connection:

   • Use a test light or trailer to verify functionality of the 4-way connections (tail lights, turn signals).

Part 2: Install Brake Control Wiring

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mount Circuit Breakers:

   • Install two 30A circuit breakers on the firewall or another suitable location near the battery.
   • Use self-tapping screws to mount them securely.

2. Route Power Wires:

   • Connect the black 12-gauge wire from the 7-way adapter to the auxiliary side of one circuit breaker (this powers the 7-way socket).
   • Run a heavy-gauge wire from the battery's positive terminal to the battery side of this circuit breaker, using a ring terminal.
   • Run another heavy-gauge wire from the battery's positive terminal to the auxiliary side of the second circuit breaker (for the brake controller).

3. Install the Brake Controller:

   • Mount the brake controller under the dash on a firm surface.
   • Use the following connections:
     • Red Wire: Connect to the cold side of the brake switch (active only when the brake pedal is pressed).
     • Blue Wire: Connect to the blue wire on the 7-way adapter for trailer brakes.
     • White Wire: Connect to a solid ground point on the vehicle body.
     • Black Wire: Connect to the auxiliary side of the second 30A circuit breaker (provides power to the brake controller).

4. Optional: Connect Reverse Light Circuit:

   • If the trailer has a reverse light circuit, connect the yellow wire from the 7-way adapter to the vehicle’s reverse light circuit.

5. Reconnect the Battery:

   • Reattach the negative battery cable and ensure all connections are secure.
   • Insert the fuses into both circuit breakers.

6. Secure All Wires:

   • Use cable ties to secure all loose wires and prevent damage or rattling.

7. Test the System:

   • Verify functionality of all circuits (running lights, turn signals, brake lights, and brake controller output).
   • If applicable, test the reverse light circuit.

Notes:

• Most installations will only require connecting the black and blue wires from the 7-way adapter.
• Leave the yellow wire disconnected unless the trailer has a reverse light or surge brake lockout circuit.
• Always adhere to safety guidelines and verify all connections before use.

Warning: Incorrect wiring can cause damage to the vehicle or trailer. Test all connections carefully before use.

Installation Instructions for 4-Way to 7-Way Adapter and Brake Control Wiring

Tools Required:

• Phillips Head Screwdriver
• Drill with 3/32" Drill Bit
• 10mm Socket & Ratchet or Wrench
• Wire Crimpers
• Wire Cutters
• Test Light or Multimeter
• Cable Ties

Part 1: Install the 4-Way to 7-Way Adapter

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mount the Adapter:

   • Choose a suitable mounting point on the vehicle, typically near the hitch.
   • Use the provided bracket and screws to secure the adapter.

2. Connect the 4-Flat Plug:

   • Plug the 4-flat connector on the adapter into the existing 4-flat plug on the vehicle.
   • This connection enables tail lights, left turn, and right turn signals.

3. Ground the Adapter:

   • Locate a clean, solid grounding point near the adapter.
   • Drill a 3/32" hole if necessary and secure the white ground wire from the adapter using the provided screw and eyelet.

4. Leave Additional Wires Disconnected:

   • The following wires will remain disconnected until Part 2:
     • Black Wire: Power from the battery.
     • Blue Wire: Brake control output.
     • Yellow Wire: Reverse light (optional; leave disconnected unless needed).

5. Test Initial Connection:

   • Use a test light or trailer to verify functionality of the 4-way connections (tail lights, turn signals).

Part 2: Install Brake Control Wiring

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mount Circuit Breakers:

   • Install two 30A circuit breakers on the firewall or another suitable location near the battery.
   • Use self-tapping screws to mount them securely.

2. Route Power Wires:

   • Connect the black 12-gauge wire from the 7-way adapter to the auxiliary side of one circuit breaker (this powers the 7-way socket).
   • Run a heavy-gauge wire from the battery's positive terminal to the battery side of this circuit breaker, using a ring terminal.
   • Run another heavy-gauge wire from the battery's positive terminal to the auxiliary side of the second circuit breaker (for the brake controller).

3. Install the Brake Controller:

   • Mount the brake controller under the dash on a firm surface.
   • Use the following connections:
     • Red Wire: Connect to the cold side of the brake switch (active only when the brake pedal is pressed).
     • Blue Wire: Connect to the blue wire on the 7-way adapter for trailer brakes.
     • White Wire: Connect to a solid ground point on the vehicle body.
     • Black Wire: Connect to the auxiliary side of the second 30A circuit breaker (provides power to the brake controller).

4. Optional: Connect Reverse Light Circuit:

   • If the trailer has a reverse light circuit, connect the yellow wire from the 7-way adapter to the vehicle’s reverse light circuit.

5. Reconnect the Battery:

   • Reattach the negative battery cable and ensure all connections are secure.
   • Insert the fuses into both circuit breakers.

6. Secure All Wires:

   • Use cable ties to secure all loose wires and prevent damage or rattling.

7. Test the System:

   • Verify functionality of all circuits (running lights, turn signals, brake lights, and brake controller output).
   • If applicable, test the reverse light circuit.

Notes:

• Most installations will only require connecting the black and blue wires from the 7-way adapter.
• Leave the yellow wire disconnected unless the trailer has a reverse light or surge brake lockout circuit.
• Always adhere to safety guidelines and verify all connections before use.

Warning: Incorrect wiring can cause damage to the vehicle or trailer. Test all connections carefully before use.

Attention:

This is a summary of the installation procedure. For complete installation instructions, including diagrams and detailed information from the manufacturer, please download the full installation PDF.

Warranty Information:

For complete warranty instructions, please download the full installation PDF.

Technical Support:

For technical support and assistance, our team of experts is available to help. You can reach our tech support by visiting www.trailerjacks.com or calling 877-869-6690.