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Tekonsha
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2012 - 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan
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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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 - 2017 | Volkswagen Tiguan | — |
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.
The T-Connector is a trailer wiring interface designed for the Volkswagen Tiguan. It allows you to connect a trailer to your vehicle's electrical system by tapping into the taillight wiring harness. The system includes a black converter box, T-shaped connectors with colour-coded wires (green and yellow), a fuse holder with a 15 amp fuse, and double-sided tape for mounting.
Yes, the T-Connector 118675-037 is designed specifically for the Volkswagen Tiguan. However, the manual does not specify which model years are compatible. Contact the manufacturer or your installer to confirm compatibility with your specific Tiguan year and configuration.
You will need: Torx #20 driver, 10 mm socket or wrench, #2 Phillips screwdriver, trim panel remover, wire crimpers, wire cutters, and a test probe. These tools are required to remove taillight assemblies, disconnect trim panels, route wiring, and test the installation.
The kit includes: two T-Connector ends (one with a green wire, one with a yellow wire), a black converter box, a yellow fuse holder with a 15 amp fuse, yellow butt connectors for wire connections, a ring terminal, double-sided tape for mounting the converter box, and the main black 12 gauge wire. All connectors and fasteners needed for installation are provided.
Yes. You must disconnect the vehicle's negative (−) battery cable before working with the electrical system. This is done in step 8 of the installation. The battery is reconnected in step 10 after the fuse holder is properly installed.
You must temporarily remove: all floor coverings and storage trays (to access the spare tire compartment), the threshold plate, and the lower interior trim panels on both the driver and passenger sides. The taillight assemblies are also removed but not completely detached. All items are reinstalled after wiring is complete.
On the driver's side: (1) Open the tailgate and use a trim panel puller to carefully pry away the black taillight trim cover to expose two Torx-20 fasteners. (2) Using a Torx-T20 driver, remove the 2 bolts but do not remove the taillight yet. (3) Locate the white plastic Phillips head screw behind the trim panel and turn it 90° counter-clockwise to fully remove the taillight. Repeat the same process for the passenger side.
On the passenger side: route the T-Connector end with the green wire out of the square hole to the taillight pocket area, then plug it between the mating plugs on the passenger's side taillight socket and vehicle wiring harness. On the driver's side: route the connector with the yellow wire down the threshold and behind the trim panel, then repeat the connection process using the yellow-wire connector. Ensure all connector surfaces are clean and free of dirt before connecting.
With the negative battery cable disconnected: (1) Remove the fuse from the yellow fuse holder provided. (2) Cut the fuse holder wire and attach the ring terminal to the vehicle's positive (+) battery cable. (3) Connect the other end of the fuse holder to the black 12 gauge wire using the yellow butt connector provided. (4) From inside the vehicle, connect the black 12 gauge wire and the black wire from the T-Connector black box using the supplied yellow butt connector. Route the black wire either through a grommet along the exterior frame or along existing wiring through the thresholds into the engine compartment to the battery.
The T-Connector has three main wires: green wire (passenger side taillight connection), yellow wire (driver side taillight connection), and black wire (12 gauge power wire that connects to the vehicle battery through the fuse holder). The green and yellow wires tap into the existing taillight circuits, while the black wire provides power from the battery.
The T-Connector uses a 15 amp fuse. This fuse is installed in the yellow fuse holder provided with the kit and is inserted into the fuse holder in step 10, after the negative battery cable is reconnected.
You have two options: (1) Route the black wire through a grommet and along the exterior frame to the battery, or (2) Follow the existing wiring along the thresholds into the engine compartment and up to the battery. Whichever route you choose, avoid hot pipes, heat shields, the fuel tank, and any other points that may pinch or break the wire. The goal is to prevent damage from heat, friction, or crushing.
Mount the black converter box on the passenger's side of the vehicle on a flat surface in an out-of-the-way place using the double-sided tape provided. The box should be positioned so it does not interfere with vehicle operation or occupant safety.
Position the vehicle wiring harness between the taillight housing and the vehicle body. Install the driver's side taillight, locate the white Phillips head screw, and turn it 90° to secure the taillight housing. Repeat the same process for the passenger side taillight. Ensure the wiring is properly positioned to avoid pinching.
Route the 4-flat connector through the passenger's side trim panel into the side storage compartment and store it there when not in use. This keeps the connector protected and out of the way when a trailer is not attached.
After installation is complete, test and verify the installation with a test light or by connecting an actual trailer. This confirms that all electrical connections are correct and the system is functioning properly before regular use.
Do not exceed the lower of two ratings: the towing manufacturer rating stated in your vehicle owner's manual, or the specific amperage rating stated on the T-Connector product itself. Overloading circuits can cause fires. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual and the product documentation for the exact amperage limits.
Always wear safety glasses during installation. Read and follow all warnings and cautions printed on the tow vehicle's battery before working with electrical connections. Be careful not to damage clips when removing trim panels. Do not pinch or cut wires during reassembly. Avoid routing wires near hot pipes, heat shields, or the fuel tank. Keep the installation manual for future reference.
The T-Connector 118675-037 is designed for the Volkswagen Tiguan. Confirm your specific model year with the manufacturer or installer before purchasing.
You need: Torx #20 driver, 10 mm socket or wrench, #2 Phillips screwdriver, trim panel remover, wire crimpers, wire cutters, and a test probe.
Yes, you must disconnect the vehicle's negative (−) battery cable before installation and reconnect it after the fuse holder is installed.
No drilling is required. The installation uses existing taillight connectors, trim panel removal, and wire routing through existing pathways and grommets.
The T-Connector uses a 15 amp fuse installed in the yellow fuse holder provided.
Test and verify the installation with a test light or by connecting a trailer once installation is complete.
Do not exceed the lower of the towing manufacturer rating in your vehicle owner's manual or the specific amperage rating on the product. Overloading can cause fires.
Test and verify the installation with a test light or by connecting a trailer. If the system does not function: (1) Confirm the 15 amp fuse is properly installed in the fuse holder. (2) Verify the negative battery cable is fully reconnected. (3) Check that all connector surfaces are clean and connections are fully seated. (4) Ensure the black power wire is properly connected to the vehicle's positive battery terminal through the fuse holder. (5) Confirm the green and yellow T-Connector ends are properly plugged into the taillight sockets on both sides.





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