OEM Brake Controller on 2012 Ford F-250 Not Working With Dexter Electric Over Hydraulic System

Updated 06/07/2012 | Published 06/03/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Adapter Module for Ford and Chevy Brake Controllers

(126)

$269.44

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

(349)

$17.11

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

(6680)

$161.44

Question:

I have a new F-250 and pull a 2008 Airstream with the electric/hydraulic system. The slide to lock the brakes has little effect. It doesnt even feel like the brakes are working at all. Ive worked with Ford and Dexter, in attempts to resolve the issues. Each says their systems are working correctely. The brakes do seem to work some during towing. I can feel the trailer brakes release after I let off the truck brakes. But I have to set the gain to 9.5 in order to feel any braking. I have hooked up to my old tow vehicle Ford Exp with Prodigy and everything works fine. Go back to the F-250 and problems start again. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

We have found that some Ford factory brake controllers (2007-2008) were not compatible with most electric-over-hydraulic actuators, but Ford changed the brake controller in 2009 and we have not seen many problems since then. I know Ford states that their brake controllers are compatible with some electric-over-hydraulic systems, but not all.

Although we have not specifically tested the newer Ford factory brake controller and the Dexter electric-over-hydraulic actuators together, it sounds like you are having the old compatibility issue that Ford had with their older brake controllers. Especially since the Prodigy in your Ford Expedition works.

My recommendation would be to move the Prodigy that is in your Expedition to your F-250 or install a new aftermarket brake controller in your F-250 that is compatible with electric-over-hydraulic brakes like the Prodigy P3, # 90195, with the wiring adapter # 3034-P. Installing an aftermarket brake controller may trigger a fault code, so I attached a help article that addresses this issue that you may find useful.

I do not recommend using an adapter like the Carlisle Control Adapter Module, # HBA-CAM, that you referenced because this has only been tested and approved for use with the Carlisle HydraStar brake actuators and may not work on your Dexter actuator. Unfortunately Dexter does not offer a similar adapter for their electric-over-hydraulic units.

expert reply by: John H