Troubleshooting a 2010 F-150 SuperCrew with Internal Brake Controller not Working

Updated 03/30/2011 | Published 03/29/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole

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$61.47

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers

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$17.24

Adapter 7-Pole to 6-Pole Universal with LED Tester

(5)

$17.85

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

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$155.79

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$12.27

Question:

I have an internal controller from the factory that does not work. I use an adapter to convert 7 pin on truck to six pin round connector on trailer. lights, brakes, turn signal, all work when plugged in to my 2007 GMC Yukon. Lights, brakes and turnsignals work on F-150 but not brakes. Into shop several times. Dealerships no help. GMC alignment key/slot is in 12 oclock position and everything works just fine with aftermarket brake controller.. F-150 alignment key/slot is rotated 90deg.clockwise. everything but brake controller works. Message on controller trailer not connected and I have no trailer brakes. Any suggestions?

asked by: Michael E

Expert Reply:

Since the trailer brakes are working with another vehicle, the trailer wiring is eliminated as a source for the issue.

The first thing I would check is the adapter you are using. Trace the power wires for the trailer brakes back to the trailer connector to determine which terminal is the brake feed circuit. Once this is determined check the adapter to see if it is wired correctly to transfer the brake power from your vehicle to the trailer brakes. There are two different acceptable wiring configurations for 6-Way connectors and the trailer brake connection is sometimes out of place. If you are using the adapter with the Yukon, then it should be wired correctly, unless the vehicle wiring has been changed. We have two adapters, item # 47549, and # 47525 that allow you to change the wiring configuration to match your vehicle and trailer.

If the adapter is not the problem, it sounds like you might have a ground issue with the factory brake controller. I would start by attaching a circuit tester, like item # PTW2993, to a good ground and touching it to the brake controller connection terminal in the 7-Way vehicle side connector. If you get a trailer connected indication on the OEM brake controller you know that there is a ground issue on the truck somewhere. In your case, with the connector 90 degrees clockwise, the brake terminal should be at the 8 o-clock position in the connector.

If there is a ground problem and the vehicle is under warranty the dealership should be able to determine the problem. If the above suggestion does not give you a trailer connected signal, try having a helper activate the manual slide on the controller while testing for power at the trailer connector. If there is no output from the OEM brake controller then there is most likely a problem with the brake controller or its wiring.

If you decide to bypass the factory brake controller and use an aftermarket controller, I would recommend the P-3 brake controller, item # 90195 with harness # 22292. This controller is designed for use with both electric and electric over hydraulic braking systems and should solve your issue. We have an informational article that details how to bypass the OEM controller on your 2010 F-150 SuperCrew, see link.