Installation Instructions for T-Connector Adapter for Dodge Nitro and Jeep Liberty

Part Numbers:

• 118554

Tools Required:

• Drill with 3/32” Drill Bit
• Phillips Head Screwdriver
• Trim Panel Remover
• Wire Crimpers
• Wire Cutters
• Test Probe

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Remove Rear Taillight Assemblies:

   • Open the tailgate.
   • Remove the right-side taillight assembly by removing the two clips holding it in place.
   • Carefully pry the taillight housing away from the vehicle to avoid breaking the alignment tabs. Repeat for the left-side taillight.

2. Disconnect Vehicle Wiring:

   • Disconnect the vehicle wiring harness from both taillight sockets.
   • Plug the T-Connector end with the yellow wire between the driver’s side taillight socket and the vehicle wiring harness.

3. 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 vehicle bumper and body.
   • Route the T-Connector green wire to the passenger’s side through a similar opening and up to the passenger-side taillight socket.
   • Ensure wires are routed away from hot pipes, heat shields, fuel tanks, or areas that may pinch or damage the wiring.

4. Install the Passenger-Side T-Connector:

   • Repeat Step 2 for the passenger-side taillight using the T-Connector end with the green wire.

5. Ground the White Wire:

   • Locate a suitable grounding point near the connector, such as the vehicle’s frame.
   • 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.

6. Connect the Power Wire:

   • Disconnect the vehicle’s negative (-) battery cable.
   • Remove the fuse from the yellow fuse holder.
   • Attach the fuse holder’s ring terminal to the positive (+) battery cable and connect the other end to the black 12-gauge wire using the provided yellow butt connector.
   • Route the black wire along the vehicle’s frame rail to the rear driver’s side and through the rear bumper opening to the taillight area.
   • Attach the black wire to the black wire from the T-Connector black box with the provided yellow butt connector.

7. Reconnect the Battery:

   • Reconnect the negative (-) battery cable and install the 10-amp fuse into the fuse holder.

8. Mount the Black Box:

   • Locate a flat surface near the driver’s side taillight.
   • Mount the T-Connector black box using the provided double-sided tape. Ensure the epoxy side of the module is pointed downward to prevent water accumulation.

9. Secure Wiring and Reassemble:

   • Secure the T-Connector harness under the bumper with cable ties, avoiding areas that could pinch or damage the wire.
   • Reinstall the taillight assemblies and other components.

10. Test the Installation:

    • Test the T-Connector installation using a test light or trailer to verify functionality.

    Specifications:

    • Max. stop/turn light: 1 per side (2.1 amps)
    • Max. tail lights: (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 instructions and warnings carefully.

Manufacturer Notes:

• Mount the 4-flat connector in a suitable location under the vehicle. Bracket not included.
• Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual and instruction sheet for additional information.

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.