Troubleshooting Reese Brakeman Brake Controller Wiring to Factory Harness

Updated 04/17/2018 | Published 04/15/2018

Products Featured in This Question

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

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Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole

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Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

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Question:

I recently purchased a Reese Brakeman Compact Controller and have had the factory harness in the glove box since I purchased the truck. I am trying to wire the controller in and the colors dont match. In fact, there is a smaller black wire tagged illumination and a green one tagged stop light. How do these wires connect. I believe the illumination wire would be for controller lighting if equipped. The Brakeman does not have this feature. The reason for my question is that I connected the controller wires to the wires on the harness correlating the controller wire identification to the tagged harness identification and my brake lights do not work now. If I unplug the controller, they begin working again. Is it the wiring or the controller or the truck??

asked by: Kenny B

Expert Reply:

The Reese Brakeman is not a controller we carry, but it is wired in the exact same way as the other controllers for your 2008 Ford F-150. The controller has 4 wires: black is 12V input, blue is brake controller output, red is brake light switch, and white is ground. If you have the factory 7-way, then I recommend the Tekonsha Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Pigtail - Ford # 3035-S which will allow you to simply match the colors for the factory plug because the functions and locations are matching.

It sounds like your current harness is either not the proper pin out or you will need to test the functions to get the proper color combinations for function. Your issues should be solved with proper wiring of your controller. See attached articles to assist.

If you have the factory 4-way then you will use the same plug, and install in the same way, but then also use # 37185 to complete your wiring. Some models do have the brake (blue) and hot lead (orange or red) wires already ran from under the hood to the end of the driver's side frame rail. However, these wires are hard to access and additional wire will still be needed. You can use # 10-1-1 for that wire.

If you prefer to hardwire your controller, then I recommend the kit # ETBC7 which includes all your wiring, connectors, and circuit breakers needed.

expert reply by: Jason S