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Tekonsha
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2016 - 2019 Volkswagen Passat
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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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 - 2019 | Volkswagen Passat | — |
Yes, the T-Connector 118721-037 is designed for the Passat. However, the manual does not specify which Passat model years or generations are compatible. Contact the manufacturer or your installer to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle year and body style.
The T-Connector is a trailer wiring interface that taps into your vehicle's taillight wiring harness. It uses T-Connector plugs with yellow and green wires to intercept the vehicle's taillight signals, a black box-module to process the signals, and a 12 ga. black wire routed to the positive battery via a fused connection. This allows trailer lights to operate in sync with your vehicle's brake and turn signals.
You will need: trim panel remover, 10 mm socket and ratchet or 10 mm wrench, drill with 3/32" bit, 1/4" socket, wire crimpers, wire cutters, Phillips head screwdriver, and a test-probe. Safety glasses are also required.
The kit includes two T-Connector plugs (one with yellow wire, one with green wire), a black box-module, a white wire with eyelet and screw for grounding, a 12 ga. black wire, a yellow fuse holder with fuse, a ring terminal, a yellow butt connector, and cable ties. A 4-flat connector is also included for storage in the rear cargo area when not in use.
Yes. Step 7 requires you to disconnect the vehicle's negative (−) battery cable before making any electrical connections. This is a safety requirement to prevent electrical shock and short circuits during installation.
You must open the trunk and remove the threshold panel. You will then partially remove the corner felt trunk liner on both sides to expose the vehicle's taillight wiring harness. You will also need access to the positive and negative battery terminals and a suitable flat surface in the engine bay or chassis to mount the black box-module.
Beginning on the driver's side, separate the vehicle's taillight wiring connectors carefully without breaking the locking tabs. Insert the T-Connector end with the yellow wire between the vehicle wiring connectors and lock into place. Ensure all connector surfaces are clean and free of dirt. Repeat this process on the passenger's side using the T-Connector with the green wire, routing it below the threshold cover to the passenger's side taillight housing.
Yes, drilling is required for the ground wire connection. You must drill a 3/32" hole to secure the white ground wire using the eyelet and screw provided. However, you may use an existing ground stud if one is available near the connector. Do not drill into the vehicle floor or bed. Before drilling, verify what is behind the surface to avoid damage to the vehicle or personal injury, and do not drill into any exposed surfaces.
Locate a flat surface in an out-of-the-way place to mount the black box-module. This prevents damage or rattling during vehicle operation. The module should be secured firmly but positioned where it will not interfere with vehicle operation or maintenance access.
Beginning from the front of the vehicle, route the black 12 ga. wire rearward along the frame rail, avoiding hot pipes, heat shields, the fuel tank, and any other points that may pinch or break the wire. If routing the wire through a grommet and along the exterior of the vehicle, exercise extra care to avoid these hazards. Secure the wire with the cable ties provided to prevent damage or rattling.
Disconnect the vehicle's negative (−) battery cable first. Remove the fuse from the yellow fuse holder if not already removed. Cut the fuse holder wire and attach the ring terminal to the vehicle's positive (+) battery cable. Connect the other end of the fuse holder to the black 12 ga. wire using the yellow butt connector provided. All connections must be complete for the T-Connector to function properly.
Secure the remainder of the T-Connector harness with the cable ties provided, taking care to avoid areas that would pinch, cut, or melt the wire. Reinstall all plastic trim panels, the threshold, storage covers, floor covering, and other items removed during installation, being careful not to pinch or cut the wires. Store the 4-flat connector in the rear cargo area when not in use.
Test and verify the installation with a test light or trailer once installed. For the initial test, reset the vehicle electrical system by temporarily removing the key from the ignition. This allows the vehicle's electrical system to reinitialize and the T-Connector to function properly. Use a test-probe to verify all connections are live and functioning.
The manual does not specify the product's amperage rating. You must not exceed the lower of the towing manufacturer's rating (including in your vehicle owner's manual) or the specific amperage ratings stated on the product itself. Overloading circuits can cause fires. Refer to the product label and your vehicle's owner's manual for the exact amperage limit.
Always wear safety glasses and use all safety precautions during installation. Read and follow all warnings and cautions printed on the tow vehicle's battery before working with electrical connections. Verify what is behind any surface prior to drilling to avoid damage to the vehicle and personal injury. Do not drill into exposed surfaces. Avoid hot pipes, heat shields, and the fuel tank when routing wires. Do not pinch, cut, or melt the wire during installation or reassembly.
The manual provides step-by-step instructions for self-installation and does not require professional installation. However, you must have the listed tools, understand electrical connections, and be comfortable working with vehicle wiring and drilling. If you are unsure about any step, particularly the battery connections or drilling, consult a professional installer.
Store the 4-flat connector in the rear cargo area when not in use. This keeps it protected and accessible for future trailer connections.
Yes, it is designed for the Passat, but confirm your specific model year with the manufacturer or installer.
Trim panel remover, 10 mm socket/ratchet or wrench, drill with 3/32" bit, 1/4" socket, wire crimpers, wire cutters, Phillips screwdriver, test-probe, and safety glasses.
Yes, disconnect the negative battery cable before making any electrical connections.
Yes, you must drill a 3/32" hole for the ground wire, unless an existing ground stud is available. Do not drill into the vehicle floor or bed.
The black wire routed from the front of the vehicle to the battery is 12 ga. (12 gauge).
The manual does not specify the product amperage rating. Do not exceed the lower of the towing manufacturer's rating or the amperage stated on the product label.
Use a test light or trailer to verify operation. Reset the vehicle electrical system by temporarily removing the ignition key for the initial test.
First, verify that all connections are complete and secure. Reconnect the vehicle's negative (−) battery cable if it was disconnected. Reset the vehicle electrical system by temporarily removing the key from the ignition. Test the installation with a test light or trailer. If the system still does not work, check that the fuse in the yellow fuse holder is not blown, and verify that all T-Connector plugs are fully locked into the vehicle's taillight connectors. Ensure the white ground wire is securely fastened and that the black 12 ga. wire is properly connected to the positive battery terminal.
A repeatedly blown fuse indicates an overcurrent condition in the circuit, which means the trailer lights or wiring are drawing more current than the fuse is rated to protect. This could be caused by a short circuit in the trailer wiring, a faulty trailer light, or an overloaded circuit. Do not reconnect the circuit until the cause is identified and corrected. Check the trailer wiring and lights for damage or faults. Do not exceed the product's amperage rating or the towing manufacturer's rating.
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.
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