Hardwiring Trailer Brake Controller in 2006 Ford F-250 Without Brake Controller Port

Updated 07/31/2018 | Published 07/30/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford

(113)

$13.59

LCD Digital Circuit Tester

(28)

$28.06

Question:

INSTALLING BRAKE BOX IN A 2006 F250 KING RANCH FACTORY PLUG HAS BEEN CUT OFF SO I SPLICED THE BLACK TO RED BUT THERE IS NO POWER ON THE RED WIRE COMING OUT OF DASH HARNESS. ANY SUGGESTIONS?

asked by: MIKE H

Expert Reply:

If your 2006 F-250's behind-the-dash brake controller connector has been removed you can still hardwire a controller by following the steps in the linked articles. All brake controllers use the same 4 wires for connection and thankfully their colors are standardized.

The controller's BLACK wire takes in +12V operating power through a circuit breaker; the RED wire takes in the triggering signal from the vehicle brake light switch; the BLUE wire carries the controller output to the trailer connector and the WHITE wire is ground.

The best way to find the brake light switch signal (for connection to the controller's RED wire) is to test the wires above the pedal until you find the one that goes hot only when the brake pedal is pressed and at no other time. This is best done with a circuit tester like # PTW2992. Use of the tester is shown in the linked video.

expert reply by: Adam R