Model Y Brake Controller Installation

[@e_rawk]

Thanks for sharing. This is helpful! 3 years later, the pigtail still isn’t listed for the model Y. Still have to grab the one for the X.

[@fredsmodel3n192]

That Pigtail was a pain in the A$$ to get too but I finally wiggled the connector in and used the screwdriver to force it in. P3 fired up. This video really helped and made the job that much easier. Thanks Fred San Diego, Ca.

[@adam-newbloom]

Very helpful video but it would have been nice to actually see your color connections as I've got the exact same unit. The photo makes it difficult to tell exactly what wire is connected to what.

[@cindymac3718]

Thank you! I have a model Y on order and was worried about transferring my brake controller from my Honda Pilot to the Y. This will be extremely helpful!

[@fredsmodel3n192]

My Service Center in San Diego had the Pigtail for the model X in that Parts cage, fits the Model Y also. I just gave him my Model Y Vin# and it only cost $4.74

[@fly4fun610]

Very helpful video. I had peeled the carpet back in my Y, but never found the connector. This video made it clear I didn't look far enough down! Also appreciate the info on the pigtail as my factory hitch equipped Y didn't include one of those either.

[@silversax01]

fly4fun610 Glad it was helpful for you! I’m returning from a camping trip towing an R-Pod. I’ll put something together on lessons learned and range etc soon

[@maikren2739]

Great tutorial

[@ryanwschneeberger]

This was very helpful! Thanks!!!

[@estp9179]

Thank you! It seems that this brake controller (Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional - Dash Mount Item # C51170) has the same plug of the Tesla brake controller pigtail . Waiting a confirmation from eTrailer.

[@Fly4Video]

Did you hear back?

[@LindenRanch]

The Echo brake controller is wireless and is convenient to use among any vehicle you use. Control with your cell phone.

[@nodelayfordays8083]

Won't work for Y

[@slcea7]

Thank you for the vid!

[@Dithermaster]

Excellent video, thank you! Last week I located the connector in the car and was sad to see the pigtail was not on it. I was searching online for how to get one when I found your video. I'll call my service center to get one! Question for you: We had a P2 we sold with our previous vehicle, and were planning to get another P2 for our Model Y; however, do you think the P3 makes more sense, perhaps due to more accurate or more adjustments? In particular, I only want it to use the trailer brakes when I'm actually using the Model Y brake pedal, as I'd really like to use regen braking most of the time (I'd like to recapture as must kinetic energy into the battery instead of as heat, and conserve the trailer brake life too). The P2 could have the deceleration threshold set (only past it would the trailer brakes be used), and I expect the P3 can too, but maybe the P3 has an even better setup for this? I'll also download the manuals and read them before deciding but since you have the P3 I thought I'd ask your opinion. BTW, what do you plan to tow?

[@silversax01]

Thanks! The P3 is really only nicer due to the screen. To my knowledge everything else is the same. As far as regen is concerned, from my Model Y towing experience it seems that the brake signal is NOT activated to the brake controller even under heavy regen. Though the M.Y (and trailer) brake lights come on, the brake controller doesn’t get the signal. Mine only activated when using the brake pedal. That’s probably not brake controller specific; just how the car is wired.

[@Dithermaster]

@@silversax01 That is exactly what I want, so perfect, thanks! A friend with a Model X gave me his pigtail, and I'll order a P2 or P3 shortly. Picked up the hitch yesterday, but I need to change it from a 2" drop to a 3/4" rise (the most allowed by Model Y).

[@JimSpence]

Leave it to Tesla to half-ass the brake controller wiring and not include necessary pigtails or just program a brake control built-into the “tow package” software or something. Kinda like the terrible $3 hitch cover that is near impossible to remove. Love my Tesla but I have to scratch my head at some of the dumb moves on such a smart car.

[@seanlavery6477]

What about warranty? Does it affect the warranty of the car?

[@EarlBalentine]

It would have beeb nice to actually see which color wires connectors t to each other, I could only see 2 wires.

[@billinfarmington5189]

Hi There! You posted this back in 2020 and I am about to install the P3. I was wondering how the dual lock velcro type product held up or if you ended up going to something else. Thanks, Bill

[@HelpMeRick]

Awesome. Thanks very much. BTW, what are you towing with your Y?

[@kennethadelman8664]

Nice video. I'm one of the first to install a brake controller in the Model X. A few comments: I would highly second your recommendation for the Prodigy P3. Tesla used the P2 in their towing evaluation of the Model X, and the P3 is functionally identical but with a better screen that offers better diagnostics. Note that the controller should be mounted were the driver can actuate it safely WHILE DRIVING. This is important to be able to adjust the gain to the trailer (done while moving), and important if you need to recover from a trailer swaying situation. I do, however, disagree with the type of splice you're using. I would recommend getting a crimp-style "step" splice designed to connect the different size wires. In particular, you need two of these www.digikey.com/product-search/en?keywords=WM18950-ND and while you're ordering from Digikey also get two of these for the splices of the two similarly sized wires: www.digikey.com/products/en?keywords=WM18426CT-ND . I also disagree with your method of mounting, but I can understand not wanting to drill holes in your new Model Y. The Tekonsha P3 manual is clear in saying "Securely mount bracket to a solid surface". Velcro and similar types of fasteners will prevent the P3 from accurately sensing the deceleration of the vehicle and could compromise the operation.

[@silversax01]

I agree with you on the secure fastening comment. I am going to have to watch it carefully. That said, everything under the dash is plastic and not very stable to begin with. The dual-lock seems more rigid than the dash! 🙂 Can you clarify why you believe the step-down spice connectors are better than the ones I used (the P3 came with standard splice connectors)?

[@Scott-sm9nm]

Model X manual show brake controller wiring to plug: i.imgur.com/z4vgBzN.jpg

[@silversax01]

Scott Fauque I noticed that too! I wasn’t sure if that diagram was the connector end or the pigtail end. You’d think they would have the same in the Model Y manual. Fortunately the wire labels are fool proof!