Brake Force Controller Started Smoking on my 2003 Ford F-150 Pickup with Factory Towing Package

Updated 02/02/2015 | Published 01/31/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford, Lincoln, Mercury

(1800)

$22.04

Question:

I installed a brake force controller as my first one went bad. it was instead about a month and I pulled my trailer twice to make sure everything was ok. Then I put my truck in the shop so my mechanic could fix my indicator on my trans, he replaced two bushings and just lowered the panel that the brake controller was bolted to and when he fixed the bushings and raised the panel back up to fasten to the controller it started to smoke so he unplugged it.Today I went out and took the controller off the bracket and plugged it back in and it started to smoke so I just unplugged it.

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

That's not a good sign if it starting smoking, as it's most likely damaged beyond repair and won't be effective anymore.

If you have your Hopkins Force hard-wired, the 12 volt wire and ground wire could be switched.

It could have been the wiring pigtail plug-in adapter that caused the brake controller to start smoking. I would double-check the wiring (always wire by function, not color) because obviously you don't want that to happen again. I would also inspect the connector under the dash for any internal damage as that could have caused the problem.

Since you may need a new brake controller, I highly recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885 because of its digital display and continuous diagnostics. The wiring adapter is part # 3035-P and it's very easy to install. You plug in one end of adapter into brake controller # 90885 and other end into the built-in harness beneath your 2003 Ford F-150's dash.

I included a few helpful articles and installation video for you too.

expert reply by: Chris B