Where Does a Brake Controller Plug Into on a 1998 Ford F 150 and F 250 Light Duty

Updated 05/26/2016 | Published 05/25/2016

Question:

Would like to know if there would be a factory installed connector for the brake controller on that year. The location of it as well. I already have the brake controller but nothing else at this time. I will be installing the 7 blade to my 4 flat already on the truck from factory.

asked by: David C

Expert Reply:

Some 1998 Ford F-150 and F-250 Light Duty Trucks have a factory installed connector and some do not. This depends on if you have a factory tow package or not. To figure out if your vehicle has a tow package, you can contact your local Ford Dealer and give them your Vehicle Identification Number, and they will be able to tell you if you have a factory tow package. If you do have a factory installed brake controller wiring harness it will be near the diagnostic port on the underside of the dash.

If your towing package includes a 4-Flat connector, you will first need to add a 7-Way. For your truck, you will need the Ford Replacement OEM Tow Package Wiring Harness, # 118242. Follow the wires from the 4-Flat towards the front of the vehicle until you find a connection point, usually on the driver side between the rear tires and the end of the truck bed.

You will disconnect the factory connection, plug in the # 118242 and mount and ground the 7-way. You would then just need to install a brake controller and I recommend the Tekonsha Custom Wiring Pigtail # 3035-S to plug into the port beneath your dash and splices into the brake controller wires. The white wire is the ground, the black wire is the 12 volt power wire, the red wires is the input wire from the brake switch and the blue wire is the output to the trailer brakes. This will complete your brake controller installation. have included an FAQ article below on installing a brake controller on your F-150.

I have attached a video installation of the Tow Ready Custom Vehicle Wiring Harness on a 2001 Ford F-150. The installation process shown is the same for your 1998 Ford F 150. I have attached a wiring help article on how to install a brake controller on your truck which you may want to check out.

expert reply by: Sarah H