Where To Find The Factory Brake Controller Wire Harness In A 2023 Ford F-150

Question:

Where do I find the brake controller connection on my F150 2023, I have the ford achy harness and the P2 harness in hand but am having trouble finding what I have to take apart to find the connector on the dash area

asked by: Phil R

Expert Reply:

Hey Phil,

If you're looking for the factory wire harness for a plug and play connection you'll find a connector that's gray with a red/orange center like the plug on the Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers # C51436. This connector is hidden in the dash behind the center console under the driver's side vent. If you look up a Ford factory brake controller install it will show you the way to access this harness. I've seen it done before and it's quite a bit of trim and little parts to remove just to get to it so this will be a frustrating installation.

expert reply by: Kevin C

51436 Instructions
(click to enlarge)

Phil

4/30/2024

Thanks Kevin I actually found it by the driver footwell like your 2021 F150 video showed. So maybe there are variations. I am good at this point. Thanks again for responding

Kevin C.

4/30/2024

@Phil Glad to hear it worked out for you. If you need anything else just let me know.

Scott S.

1/12/2025

Hello Kevin, I need info regarding how to find (location) grey connector under dash to connect Tekonsha prodigy to factory wiring connector. My truck is a 2023 Ford F550 Lariat. My previous truck a 2019 F450 was simple to find the connector as it was just plugged into the factory trailer brake controller, so just needed to unplug it and connect new Tekonsha harness then on into Tekonsha prodigy, and then just mount Prodigy in location wanted, Simple! Now using a Tekonsha Prodigy on this new F550, removing the trailer brake factory controller on dash ,its wiring has a small wiring connector that does not plug into a Tekonsha wiring harness ( plug and play style). Thoughts on location of factory connector under dash? Left or right of steering? After searching all over under dash , taking out glove box, taking off dash panel under steering I have yet to find this elusive connector! This mod is wanted because of past use of Tekonsha prodigy on other trucks and its fantastic ability to work as needed on pulling trailers. Much better than stock trailer brake controller. Help! Thanks, Scott

Kevin C.

1/13/2025

@ScottS If the brake controller harness isn't located behind the center console then it's most likely hiding in the corner panel next to the driver's door. I've attached a picture above from Curt's installation manual showing this alternative spot that Ford started using back in 2021. If you don't find it there let me know and we can keep troubleshooting.

Scott S.

1/13/2025

@KevinC Thanks Kevin, after more searching I did find the plug. It is located on driver side left of steering column attached to a plastic connector holder. At first it looked like a connector that was already being used for another connecton. But if one pulls on it it just slides out and it is the correct connector for hooking up a Tekonsha wiring harness which then will plug into back of Prodigy 3. So all good there. After installing all this now the issue is it will not turn off as said it would in 15 min. I read online that maybe it then needs to be plugged into a trailer and make the connection between the two, then unplug and then it should shut off. Have not got that far yet. 2023 F550 Lariat

Kevin C.

1/13/2025

@ScottS Are you looking through the window or opening the door each time you check the Prodigy? Try cleaning the contact pins on your 7-way. There's a small chance that the Prodigy is sensing draw at the 7-way and staying on.