Does Computer have to be Flashed to Install Aftermarket Brake Controller on a 2016 Ford F-150

Question

Question:

i have a 16 f150 with 7 pin harness and it does have the connector behind the dash. If i install a factory brake controller the computer would have to be flashed for it to work, is that the same for this controller?

asked by: Brian H

0

Expert Reply:

We have installed brake controllers on 2016 Ford F-150s, see video link, and have not had any problems regarding having to flash the computer for it to work. For a brake controller I recommend the P3, # 90195 with wiring harness # 22292. The P3 offers easy to understand diagnostics, presets you can program if you tow different trailers, and a host of other options making it the most versatile brake controller available.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

James G.

3/19/2020

just checked with a local ford dealer about electric brake controllers. They gave me a price of over $450.00 to purchase and install the ford module. they also stated that any other brake control module would not work unless it was programmed. just asking, does this information seem reasonable. sounds like they are just trying to sell ford products. any information would be helpful, thanks

Chris R.

3/19/2020

OEM parts and install rates are almost always significantly higher than aftermarket units such as the trailer brake controllers we have available. That $450 estimate you mentioned is high, but it's not surprising. Can you tell me what model year truck you have? A lot of newer trucks don't need to be flashed when installing an aftermarket controller, and even if they do, there are other options available now like the Curt Echo # C51180 that wouldn't even tap into the truck's factory trailer wiring or computer system, avoiding this issue altogether.

Helpful Links

Brake-Controller/Curt/C51180.html

James

3/19/2020

message for Chris R. my truck is 2019 f150 XLT, it has a 4 plug hook up in the rear with trailer chain attachment hooks. also has a tow option that can be use by pressing mode buttons that control this function. i appreciate your quick response to my inquiry. any suggestions will be welcome. i will check out the curt/C51180, Thanks

Chris R.

3/19/2020

Thanks for the info! From what I could find I don't believe your 2019 F-150 would need to be flashed after wiring in an aftermarket brake controller. Regardless of the particular model you choose though, you'll need to upgrade that factory 4-Way to a 7-Way. If you like the Echo you would use the Wiring Kit # ETBC7L. If you decide to go the traditional wired controller route, you would need part # ETBC7 instead.

Helpful Links

Accessories-and-Parts/etrailer/ETBC7.html

Accessories-and-Parts/etrailer/ETBC7L.html

Liljoe

11/10/2021

I have a 2015 f150 lariat it has the 4pin&7 pin connector and it also has the plug in dash for the electric brake controller does it have to be flashed for it to work?

Les D.

11/15/2021

If by "plug in dash for electric brake controller," you mean the connector under the dash and usually to the left? If so, it does not need to be flashed to work. I would check your owners manual for all fuse locations related to towing, and see if those fuses are installed.

Answer 1

Hello Chad, thanks for reaching out. Sounds like you are on the right track here. The Curt #C56413 is correct for your 2016 Ford F-150 XLT, and you can use the #C36GJ socket to make it into a 7-way/4-flat combo. Those two parts actually cover…

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Answer 2

Hey Kevin! Starting with a hitch I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch #e98842. This is a Class III hitch with a 2" receiver and a bolt-on installation. Based on the information you have given me I'm assuming you don't have factory…

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Answer 3

I took a look in the online version of the owner's manual for a 2016 Ford F-150 and there is a fuse for the trailer brake control module in position 49 in the fuse block in the engine compartment, which is a 30 amp fuse that I recommend taking a…

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Answer 4

Hey Phillip, we have a replacement 7-way for your 2005 Toyota Tundra with the Hopkins part #HM43385. This has a 4-way off to the side of it as well but can be used with 7-way adapters as well.

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Answer 5

For your 2016 Ford F-150 the brake controller I recommend is the Prodigy P3 part #90195 which is the most advanced and easiest to use brake controller on the market that senses how hard you are applying the truck brakes and applies the same intensity…

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Answer 6

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.…

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Answer 7

There should be a factory brake controller plug on your 2015 Ford F-150, whether it came with a 4-Way or 7-Way connector at the back of the truck. The plug will be located beneath the dash inside your cab. You may need to remove some shroud around…

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Answer 8

The Hopkins Agility Trailer Brake Controller #HM47294 will install in your 2017 Ford F-150 by using the Plug-In Adapter #HM47845. The adapter will plug into the connector which is installed behind a side panel between your steering wheel and your…

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Answer 9

Stan, so it sounds like you want to go from surge to electric over hydraulic braking. What you need to do then is get an actuator #HBA-10 for drum or #HBA16 for disc, a brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 #90195, and then finally lock out…

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Answer 10

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 11

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 12

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Does Computer have to be Flashed to Install Aftermarket Brake Controller on a 2016 Ford F-150

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