Is Extra Illumination Wire Under the Dash Needed to Install Brake Controller on 2006 Ford F-150

Question:

the factory plug has this illumination feed wire.when i wire this to the controler do i just do nothing with this or should it also go with the battery feed? i think nothing but protect it from anyway to short. 2006 ford f150

asked by: Tony

Expert Reply:

On your 2006 Ford F-150 the illumination wire (usually brown) you describe is for an illumination circuit, and is not needed for installation of a brake controller. You can confirm this by using a circuit tester like Quickee Tester, part # 3808, on the wire. This wire should only show voltage when the vehicle headlights are switched on. You can tape off the end of this wire and bundle it up out of the way.

A brake controller will only require the 4 wire connections.

Brake controller white wire = ground
Brake controller black wire = 12 volt power
Brake controller blue wire = output to trailer brakes
Brake controller red wire = stop light circuit

expert reply by: Jeff D