Task #3: Locate and install Brake Controller bracket
This is not difficult, but I don't know which I dislike more, trying to slide under the Odyssey to feed the 12v power line, or turning upside down under the dash to install the brake controller wiring harness.
The first task is to determine where one wants the brake controller installed. Some have installed it in the center console storage area, or a glovebox. I want it closer for immediate access if emergency braking is required. I found there were already two screws at the bottom of the dash to the left of the steering wheel, I so decided to use them.
I have the Prodigy Brake Controller, which has worked very well for us in 20,000 miles of towing with the Element.
Here is the result. It is accessible and I have yet to hit it with my leg. I don't have it plugged in and you can see the wiring plug.
Another picture of the bracket.
Task #4: Install controller wiring harness
Remove the drivers side panel to get to the fuse box and make wiring easier.
The harness for the Prodigy connects to 1) a +12V source, 2) the wire on the brake switch that is +12V when the brake is pushed down, 3) a ground, and 4) finally to the hitch connector.
All the wires from the harness have connectors crimped on so that it can easily be removed from the more permanent wiring described below should it be desired.
I used an voltmeter to locate which wire on the brake switch showed voltage when the brake was pushed. Someone said it is a white wire with a brown stripe, and that sounds right. Using a wire-tap connector you connect to this wire a couple of inches back from the switch as shown here:
Here is the connector for the tap put on the brake switch.
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u...pConnector.jpg
Here's where I connected the ground wire for the brake controller.
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u...llerGround.jpg
Here's the drivers side fuse box. No un-used fuses or +12V hot spots to be found!
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u...BoxDrivers.jpg
On my Element I was able to find a +12V (when running) source near the fuse box. On the Odyssey the design and construction is so tight and neat, that I resorted to a Add-A-Tap connector that plugs into a fuse slot and provides a power source.
Note: Prodigy recommends connecting directly to the battery.
These little taps are limited to 10 amp and I confirmed the maximum draw for the Prodigy was 7-8 amp. Prodigy, however, specifies a 20 amp auto-reset breaker for their controller, so I used a 30 amp fuse in the Add-A-Tap so the breaker is controlling things. If anyone has a better solution to a +12V power source, I would be interested.
Here's the tap in the Accessories fuse slot. Note you can see the silver breaker among the wires.
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u...ontroller7.jpg
The white ground wire is connected to a bolt just below the fuse box. This is visible when the plastic kickpanel is removed, which is required in the next step.
So all that's left is to run the blue brake wire from the wiring harness connector to the hitch.