Hardwiring a Brake Controller from Scratch on a 2010 Ford Flex  

Question:

Expert Reply:

On the 2010 Ford Flex, you will have to hardwire a brake controller. There are 3 items you will need to complete installation. First is a brake controller, second is the Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, # 118472, and third is the 7 and 4 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7.

You will start by installing the Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, # 118472. I have included a link to the installation details below. Installation is simple. The T-one harness plugs in line with your vehicles taillight wiring.

Next, you will need to install the ETBC7 kit which allows for a 7 or 4 pole connection at the rear of the vehicle. It plugs into the 4 way you just installed and connects to the brake controller and vehicle battery.

Ground the 7-Way white wire of the ETBC7 on the vehicle frame. Connect the black wire in the grey duplex cable to the black wire on the 7-Way and the white wire to the blue wire on the 7-Way. Next, route the duplex cable under the vehicle to the engine compartment. Be careful not to run the wire where it can be pinched or burned.

On the duplex cable, now under the hood, separate the white brake wire from the 12-volt black wire. The white wire gets routed through the firewall and connects to the blue wire from the brake controller. The black wire gets connected to the positive battery terminal via a 40 amp circuit breaker. Mount the circuit breakers under the hood then route the black hot lead to the 40 amp breaker via ring terminals, and then to the positive battery terminal.

The black wire on the brake controller connects to a 20 or 30 amp circuit breaker (see the brake controller instructions for which circuit breaker to use) and then to the positive battery terminal. Route the brake controller white wire to the negative battery terminal. From the wires connected to the brake switch at the top of the brake pedal, find the wire carrying a signal only when the brake pedal is engaged using a circuit tester. Connect that wire to the brake controller red wire. I have also included 2 videos that show the installation of an ETBC7 kit.

I have included an FAQ on wiring a brake controller from scratch that contains a little more detail.

expert reply by: Michael H

0