Location of Factory Brake Controller Port on a 2012 Ford Expedition

Updated 07/03/2020 | Published 10/13/2011

Question:

I cannot find the factory installed connection on a 2012 ford expedition. How do I get to it if it is behind the dash? Trailer brake controller

asked by: Jim C

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Tekonsha and they said they have not done a test fit of a brake controller on a 2012 Ford Expedition, but they do not believe it to be any different than the 2011 model.

If the 2012 Expedition is the same as the 2011 model, then the factory brake controller port plug will be located under the dash to the right of the steering wheel. It will be a 6-pin rectangular connector that is normally gray. It may be tucked up and out of the way. I am including a link to a video of a brake controller being installed on a 2011 Ford Expedition. It will show the location of the factory brake controller plug.

Some Ford vehicles have had the factory plug under the dash over on the glove box side of the center console, or behind the glove box itself.

If you have a factory 7-Way on the rear of your Expedition all you will need is the brake controller and the wiring adapter to install a brake controller.

If you have a factory 4-Way on your Expedition you will need to use the Hopkins Adapter, part # 37185, to get a 7-Way on the vehicle. This adapter will plug into your factory 4-Way and the 4 remaining wires will need to be connected to your vehicle. I am including a link to a video that will show the # 37185 being installed on a Ford truck.

expert reply by: Jeff D

Daniel A.

6/29/2020

Hello. I need to install an electric brake controller to pull an RV I have 2012 Ford Expedition with factory 7-Way plug on the rear. How do I check if the electric brake controller is not factory already installed? Can you send me the link of everything I need to buy to accomplish this? Thanks

Chris R.

7/3/2020

If your Ford Expedition has the factory 7-Way then there will indeed be a plug-in port behind the dash to install a brake controller. For an even easier install though I specifically recommend the Curt Echo Brake Controller # C51180. This will plug right into the 7-Way you already have and pair to your smart phone via Bluetooth - so you don't need to install or mount anything inside the Expedition.