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Tekonsha
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2009 - 2012 Volkswagen Routan
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Tekonsha is a leading manufacturer of electronic trailer brake controllers, pioneering the category in the 1970s. The lineup spans proportional units such as the Prodigy P3 and Prodigy iD, time-delayed controllers, the wireless Prodigy RF, plus vehicle-specific wiring harnesses, adapters and trailer brake components engineered for smooth, predictable stopping at any speed.
Tekonsha Engineering Company began in 1964 building RV steps and mirrors. Within a few years it had found its real calling, and by the 1970s Tekonsha was pioneering the manufacture of electronic trailer brake controllers, the product category that still defines the brand. More than half a century later it remains the reference name in trailer braking and is part of the Horizon Global group alongside Reese, Draw-Tite, Fulton, Bulldog and Wesbar.
A brake controller is the component that tells a trailer's electric brakes how hard to work and when, and getting that right is the difference between a controlled stop and a shove from behind. Tekonsha builds both major types. Proportional controllers use an internal accelerometer to sense how quickly the tow vehicle is slowing and apply trailer braking to match, so light braking stays light and hard braking is immediate. Time-delayed controllers ramp to a preset output over a fixed interval, a simpler and more economical approach that suits occasional towing.
The current brake controller range covers most of that ground. The Prodigy iD pairs with a phone through Tekonsha's EDGE technology for setup and monitoring, the P3 offers storable settings for multiple trailers and a trilingual colour LED display, the Prodigy P2 adds a dimmable display and boost mode for heavier loads, and the Voyager keeps operation simple and dependable. The Prodigy RF mounts to the trailer itself and controls wirelessly, which suits rental fleets and drivers who swap tow vehicles.
Installation is supported by vehicle-specific brake control harnesses that plug into a factory connector rather than requiring cut-and-splice wiring, along with mounting brackets and adapters. Matched controller bundles pair a unit with the correct harness. Products are tested to meet and often exceed published industry standards.
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1 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 - 2012 | Volkswagen Routan | — |
The BRAKE mate is a trailer brake control system that allows you to control trailer brakes from your vehicle. It connects to your vehicle's electrical system and includes a brake control unit that mounts under the dash, circuit breakers for power management, and a prewired connector that attaches to your trailer.
The manual does not specify which vehicle makes, models, or years are compatible with the BRAKE mate. Contact Cequent Towing Products technical service at (888) 521-0510 or consult a fitment database to confirm compatibility with your specific vehicle.
Yes. Step 4 of the installation instructions requires connecting the 4-pole flat connector to the vehicle's connector, which means your vehicle must already have a 4-pole flat connector. If your vehicle does not have one, the BRAKE mate cannot be installed using these instructions.
The kit includes: 1 prewired connector, 1 heavy duty flasher, 1 20 amp circuit breaker, 1 40 amp circuit breaker, 5 #10 G-ring connectors, 2 3/8" G-ring connectors, 5 Scotch locks, 8 self-tapping screws, and 6 wire tie straps.
The manual does not specify required tools. However, based on the installation steps, you will likely need a drill (to create a firewall hole if one does not exist), wire strippers, a screwdriver (for self-tapping screws), and possibly a crimper or pliers for ring connectors. Contact technical service at (888) 521-0510 for a complete tool list.
The manual does not specify whether the battery must be disconnected before installation. Contact Cequent Towing Products technical service at (888) 521-0510 for safety guidance before beginning work.
Mount the bracket for the round connector on the bumper if that is where you intend to install it. Some hitches have built-in brackets, so check your hitch first before mounting a separate bracket.
Mount the brake control unit under the dash onto something firm. The unit must be securely fastened to a solid surface.
Mount the 2 circuit breakers (20 amp and 40 amp) end to end on the firewall within reach of the BLUE/BLACK cable. Secure them with the self-tapping screws supplied in the kit.
You may need to drill a hole through the firewall to run the BLUE/BLACK 2-strand wire from the engine bay into the cab. Look for an existing spot first; if none is available, drill a hole and seal it with a rubber grommet or silicone to prevent water and debris from entering the cab.
Some hitch brackets may need to be cut to allow the various connectors to pass through. Check your specific hitch bracket during installation; if it blocks connector passage, you will need to cut it.
Yes. In step 9, you must cut the black wire to create two open ends. These ends are then fitted with ring connectors and attached to the 40 amp and 20 amp circuit breakers respectively.
WHITE = ground wire; BLUE/BLACK = 2-strand power and trailer brake wire (runs from rear connector to front of vehicle and through firewall); RED = power wire from brake control unit; BLUE = trailer brake wire from brake control unit; GREEN = wire from brake control unit to brake switch.
Connect the WHITE ground wire to the frame of the vehicle. This provides the ground connection for the system.
Run the BLUE/BLACK 2-strand wire along the frame rail to the front of the vehicle, avoiding the exhaust, axles, and brake cables. Secure it with the plastic tie straps supplied. Then run it up the firewall, avoiding the steering mechanism, and secure it with ties.
Split the BLUE/BLACK 2-strand wire down the middle. Connect the RED (power) wire of the brake control unit to the BLACK wire using a Scotch lock. Connect the BLUE (trailer brake) wire of the brake control unit to the BLUE wire using a Scotch lock. Connect the WHITE wire of the brake control unit to the ground on the vehicle body. Connect the GREEN wire of the brake control unit to the inactive side of the brake switch.
Run a heavy gauge wire from the battery or equivalent power source to the battery side of either circuit breaker. Attach a #10 G-ring connector to one end of the wire. Then split a wire off this main wire to the 20 amp breaker using a Scotch lock and attach a #10 G-ring connector to the end of this wire. Alternatively, you can run a jumper between the two breakers.
The circuit breakers protect the electrical system. The 40 amp breaker is connected to the auxiliary side of the wire going to the rear connector. The 20 amp breaker is connected to the auxiliary side of the wire going through the firewall to the brake control unit.
The heavy duty flasher is a replacement turn signal flasher. If your turn signals blink too fast after installation, replace your vehicle's original turn signal flasher with the one supplied in the kit.
After attaching the round connector with self-tapping screws, test the connector for: running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and hot wire (power). Note that the brake control output cannot be tested unless a trailer is connected to the connector.
If the turn signals are blinking too fast after installation, replace the turn signal flasher with the heavy duty flasher supplied in the BRAKE mate kit.
After drilling a hole through the firewall to run the BLUE/BLACK wire into the cab, seal the hole with a rubber grommet or silicone to prevent water and debris from entering the vehicle.
When running the BLUE/BLACK 2-strand wire along the frame rail and up the firewall, avoid the exhaust, axles, brake cables, and steering mechanism. These components can damage the wire or be damaged by it. Secure the wire with the supplied plastic tie straps.
Your vehicle must have a 4-pole flat connector. Contact Cequent Towing Products at (888) 521-0510 or check a fitment database to confirm compatibility with your specific make, model, and year.
The kit includes a prewired connector, brake control unit, 20 amp and 40 amp circuit breakers, 5 #10 G-ring connectors, 2 3/8" G-ring connectors, 5 Scotch locks, 8 self-tapping screws, 6 wire tie straps, and a heavy duty flasher.
You may need to drill a hole through the firewall to run the brake wire into the cab if an existing hole is not available. The hole must be sealed with a rubber grommet or silicone.
Connect WHITE (ground) to frame, RED (power) to BLACK wire, BLUE (trailer brake) to BLUE wire, GREEN to brake switch, and run BLUE/BLACK from rear connector through firewall to brake control unit.
Test for running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and hot wire (power). Brake control output cannot be tested without a trailer connected. If turn signals blink too fast, replace the flasher with the one supplied.
Avoid routing the BLUE/BLACK wire near the exhaust, axles, brake cables, or steering mechanism. Secure all wires with the supplied plastic tie straps.
Yes, the T-Connector (118490-037) is designed for the Volkswagen Routan. The installation instructions are specific to this vehicle model.
The T-Connector is a trailer wiring interface that connects between your vehicle's taillight wiring harness and a trailer connector. It allows you to plug in a trailer's 4-flat connector when needed, and stores in the jack storage compartment when not in use.
You will need: trim panel remover, Torx 30 driver, drill with 3/32" bit, 1/4" socket, utility knife, wire cutters, Phillips head screwdriver, and test-probe. Safety glasses are also required.
The manual does not specify whether the battery must be disconnected. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a qualified technician for guidance on electrical work safety.
Open the tailgate and remove the vehicle's taillight assemblies by removing the two T30 Torx head bolts on each side. Carefully pry the taillight housings rearward away from the vehicle, being careful not to break the alignment tabs.
The T-Connector end with the yellow wire goes on the driver's side. Plug it in between the mating plugs on the driver's side taillight socket and vehicle wiring harness. Ensure all connector surfaces are clean and free of dirt, and that connectors are fully inserted with locking tabs in place.
The T-Connector end with the green wire goes on the passenger's side. Repeat the same connection process as the driver's side: plug it in between the mating plugs on the passenger's side taillight socket and vehicle wiring harness, ensuring connectors are fully inserted with locking tabs in place.
Route the harness containing the green wire down the opening behind the taillight on the driver's side. Then route the harness across and underneath the vehicle behind the bumper fascia, and up through the opening behind the passenger's side taillight. Route the wire carefully to avoid hot pipes, heat shields, the fuel tank, or any other points that may pinch or break the wire.
Yes, you must drill a 3/32" hole to secure the white ground wire. Locate a suitable grounding point near the connector such as the vehicle's frame or crossmember. Do not drill into the vehicle floor, bed, or any exposed surfaces. Clean dirt and rustproofing from the area before drilling. Verify what is behind any surface prior to drilling to avoid damage to the vehicle and personal injury.
Secure the white wire using the eyelet and screw provided. Drill a 3/32" hole at a suitable grounding point near the connector, such as the vehicle's frame or crossmember. Clean dirt and rustproofing from the area first. Insert the eyelet and screw through the white wire into the drilled hole.
On the driver's side, open the jack storage door and remove the jack, tools, and carpeting to gain access to the vehicle wiring and the grommet hole.
The grommet is a rubber seal on the vehicle's taillight wire harness. To install the T-Connector, you must unseat the grommet and remove it from the vehicle harness by untaping the tabs and slitting the grommet as shown in the manual. After routing the 4-flat connector through the grommet hole, place the grommet onto the T-Connector wiring between the T-Connector and the mating vehicle end, retape the tabs, and reseat the grommet into the hole.
Route the vehicle connector and the 4-flat end through the grommet hole into the jack storage area. When not in use, store the 4-flat connector in the jack storage compartment. When in use, route the 4-flat harness through the rear tailgate/door seal. Be careful not to pinch the harness in the door latch.
Secure all loose wires with cable ties. Reinstall the taillight assemblies and other items removed during installation, being careful not to pinch or cut the wires.
Do not exceed the lower of your towing manufacturer's rating or: maximum 7.5 amps for stop/turn lights, and maximum 7.5 amps for tail lights. Overloading the circuit can cause fires. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual and instruction sheet for additional information.
All connections must be complete for the T-Connector to function properly. Test and verify the installation with a test light or by connecting an actual trailer once installed. Use the test-probe tool to verify proper electrical connections.
Before reinstalling the taillight assemblies, ensure all loose wires are secured with cable ties and that no wires will be pinched or cut when the assemblies are reattached. Verify that the grommet is properly reseated and that all connections are complete and secure.
The T-Connector has three colored wires: yellow (driver's side connection), green (passenger's side connection and harness routing), and white (ground wire). The yellow and green wires connect to the respective taillight sockets, while the white wire must be grounded to the vehicle's frame or crossmember.
Yes, the T-Connector (118490-037) is designed specifically for the Volkswagen Routan.
You need: trim panel remover, Torx 30 driver, 3/32" drill bit, 1/4" socket, utility knife, wire cutters, Phillips head screwdriver, test-probe, and safety glasses.
Maximum 7.5 amps for stop/turn lights and 7.5 amps for tail lights. Do not exceed the lower of your towing manufacturer's rating or these limits, as overloading can cause fires.
Yes, you must remove both taillight assemblies by removing the two T30 Torx bolts on each side and carefully prying the housings rearward.
Test and verify the installation with a test light or by connecting an actual trailer. All connections must be complete for proper function.





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