Product Details
- Brand: Tekonsha
- Model: 118450 85343 20506 7012A
- Includes: T-One T-Connector Custom Harness, Wiring Adapter, Trailer Brake Controller Installation Kit, Circuit Breaker
Compatibility Chart
Get Expert Help
Trailer Hitch 7 Way RV Wiring Kit For 08-12 Buick Enclave Chevy Malibu 09-12 Traverse Plug Prong Pin Brake Control Ready Install Notes
Installation Instructions for T-Connector Adapter for Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Malibu
Part Numbers:
- 118450
Tools Required:
- Drill (3/32” Drill Bit)
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- 7mm Socket & Ratchet or 7mm Wrench
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Remove the Taillight Assemblies:
- Buick Enclave:
- Open the rear door.
- Remove both taillight housing assemblies by removing the two bolts for each light.
- Carefully pry the taillight housing assemblies away from the vehicle, avoiding damage to alignment tabs.
- Chevrolet Malibu:
- Open the trunk.
- Remove the vehicle’s taillight assemblies by first removing the plastic cargo nuts behind the taillights (1 per side).
- Pull the carpet back to expose the plastic wing nuts (3 per side). Remove the wing nuts and carefully pull the taillight away, ensuring no damage to alignment pins.
- Buick Enclave:
-
Disconnect the Driver-Side Wiring Harness:
- On the driver’s side, disconnect the vehicle wiring harness from the taillight socket.
- Insert the T-Connector end with the yellow wire between the vehicle wiring connectors and lock it into place.
-
Route the T-Connector Wiring:
- Route the T-Connector end with the green wire and the 4-flat connector down through the opening between the bumper and the vehicle body.
- Route the green wire to the passenger’s side, being careful to avoid hot pipes, heat shields, and the fuel tank. Route the 4-flat connector along the bumper.
-
Install the Passenger-Side T-Connector:
- Route the T-Connector end with the green wire up through the opening on the passenger side.
- Repeat step 2 for the passenger side using the green wire.
-
Ground the White Wire:
- Locate a suitable grounding point near the connector, such as the vehicle’s frame or cross member.
- Clean dirt and rustproofing from the area. 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 injury. Do not drill into exposed surfaces.
-
Reinstall the Taillight Assemblies:
- Reinstall the taillight housing assemblies, positioning the vehicle wiring harness between the housing and the vehicle body.
- Secure the remainder of the T-Connector harness with the provided cable ties, avoiding areas that may cut or pinch the wire.
-
Mount the 4-Flat Connector:
- Mount the 4-flat connector in a suitable location under the vehicle. A bracket is not included.
-
Test the Installation:
- Test and verify the installation with a test light or trailer.
- Reset the vehicle’s electrical system by temporarily removing the key from the ignition.
Specifications:
- Max. stop/turn light: (7.5 amps)
- Max. tail lights: (7.5 amps)
Safety Notes:
- Overloading circuits can cause fires. Do not exceed the lower of the towing manufacturer’s rating or the unit specifications.
- Follow all warnings and installation instructions carefully.
Manufacturer Notes:
- Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual and the instruction sheet for additional guidance.
Installation Instructions for T-Connector Adapter for Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Malibu
Part Numbers:
- 118450
Tools Required:
- Drill (3/32” Drill Bit)
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- 7mm Socket & Ratchet or 7mm Wrench
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Remove the Taillight Assemblies:
- Buick Enclave:
- Open the rear door.
- Remove both taillight housing assemblies by removing the two bolts for each light.
- Carefully pry the taillight housing assemblies away from the vehicle, avoiding damage to alignment tabs.
- Chevrolet Malibu:
- Open the trunk.
- Remove the vehicle’s taillight assemblies by first removing the plastic cargo nuts behind the taillights (1 per side).
- Pull the carpet back to expose the plastic wing nuts (3 per side). Remove the wing nuts and carefully pull the taillight away, ensuring no damage to alignment pins.
- Buick Enclave:
-
Disconnect the Driver-Side Wiring Harness:
- On the driver’s side, disconnect the vehicle wiring harness from the taillight socket.
- Insert the T-Connector end with the yellow wire between the vehicle wiring connectors and lock it into place.
-
Route the T-Connector Wiring:
- Route the T-Connector end with the green wire and the 4-flat connector down through the opening between the bumper and the vehicle body.
- Route the green wire to the passenger’s side, being careful to avoid hot pipes, heat shields, and the fuel tank. Route the 4-flat connector along the bumper.
-
Install the Passenger-Side T-Connector:
- Route the T-Connector end with the green wire up through the opening on the passenger side.
- Repeat step 2 for the passenger side using the green wire.
-
Ground the White Wire:
- Locate a suitable grounding point near the connector, such as the vehicle’s frame or cross member.
- Clean dirt and rustproofing from the area. 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 injury. Do not drill into exposed surfaces.
-
Reinstall the Taillight Assemblies:
- Reinstall the taillight housing assemblies, positioning the vehicle wiring harness between the housing and the vehicle body.
- Secure the remainder of the T-Connector harness with the provided cable ties, avoiding areas that may cut or pinch the wire.
-
Mount the 4-Flat Connector:
- Mount the 4-flat connector in a suitable location under the vehicle. A bracket is not included.
-
Test the Installation:
- Test and verify the installation with a test light or trailer.
- Reset the vehicle’s electrical system by temporarily removing the key from the ignition.
Specifications:
- Max. stop/turn light: (7.5 amps)
- Max. tail lights: (7.5 amps)
Safety Notes:
- Overloading circuits can cause fires. Do not exceed the lower of the towing manufacturer’s rating or the unit specifications.
- Follow all warnings and installation instructions carefully.
Manufacturer Notes:
- 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.
- Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual and the instruction sheet for additional guidance.
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.
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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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).
- The following wires will remain disconnected until Part 2:
-
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:
-
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.
-
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).
-
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).
-
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.
-
Reconnect the Battery:
- Reattach the negative battery cable and ensure all connections are secure.
- Insert the fuses into both circuit breakers.
-
Secure All Wires:
- Use cable ties to secure all loose wires and prevent damage or rattling.
-
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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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).
- The following wires will remain disconnected until Part 2:
-
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:
-
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.
-
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).
-
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).
-
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.
-
Reconnect the Battery:
- Reattach the negative battery cable and ensure all connections are secure.
- Insert the fuses into both circuit breakers.
-
Secure All Wires:
- Use cable ties to secure all loose wires and prevent damage or rattling.
-
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.