Towing package but trailer brake controller does work?

I purchased a 2020 toyota tacoma sr5 with the towing package. Today I went to tow a trailer and realized the trailer brake controller doesnt work. The truck has a 7 pin and the controller but its almost like Toyota cheaped out and didnt install the wire that connects the controller to the 7 pin connector. Is there a easy way to make the brake controller work? Thanks.

 

The brake controller is an aftermarket add on that plugs into the truck’s wiring harness under the driver’s side dash. Check that it’s plugged in and then look up the owners manual for the model of controller installed.

 

Thank you. That helped out a lot!

 

^^This. It's not like an F-150 where the brake controller comes built-in from the factory. If it has one then the previous owner added it, but Toyota does pre-wire a harness for it.

 

What are you towing that has brakes ?

 

You need the Tundra adapter harness. Ref: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/trailer-brake-controller.398124/page-5#post-11518030

If there's no wires, then the PO cheaped out and added it for show.

 

Or just buy the Tacoma harness that fits the specific model brake controller installed, assuming it isn't already wired.

 

A trailer.

Most 3500 pound trailers that aren't a Northern Tool special come off the lot equipped with brakes these days. I've seen some 1500 pound teardrop campers that had brakes.

 

Does the 3rd gen Tacoma have a settings control page on the dash?

The Tundras do. You have to go into "settings" and turn on the trailer brake controller. I don't have any seat time for a 3rd gen Tacoma, so I don't know if the systems are similar .

Just passing on what I know about Tundras.

 

He says he had a controller, but does he really?

@20tacosr5 , what controller do you have? A real common mistake I've seen (and might have made myself once upon a time) is that people will read on the sticker "trailer sway control" and assume that means brake control.

You might or might not know this, I can't assume, but a trailer brake controller for this truck only comes in the form of a separate aftermarket module.

Example: this is mine. A cheap yet effective Tekonsha IQ.

 

No, because it doesn't come equipped with a controller. Have to ad aftermarket one, but wired for it, with trailing package.

 

That's a really good point. OP's statements are conflicting and a bit confusing... I do think you meant to say "trailer sway control", but the point is solid.

Recommendation: I've run Tekonsha P3's in all my trucks for the last decade. They're great! The cubby is an excellent mounting spot.

 

Totally meant to say sway. I spend so much time correcting the phone's autocorrect that I sometimes miss the autocorrect.

 

If you are serous an towing a lot, look into the Red Arc controller.

 

I believe it's the little knob under the steering wheel right next to the hood latch?

 

Can you post a picture of that? Redarc and maybe one other brand make a knob style controller. Though I can't imagine why a previous owner would leave the knob and disconnect the wire harness.

 

That sounds like your TPMS reset button.

 

My controller plugs right into the 12v - worked first time every time. The brake system is on a little teardrop camper.
This circled part is what I plug into the 12v - press a side button and scroll another wheel up and down for sensitivity.

There are newer 'types' out there but this works fine for me.

 

Sorry for the late response. But here it is.

 

That’s the TPMS reset button. Appears you don’t have a brake controller but it’s a 30 minute job to set one up once you buy it.