Locating Brake Controller Connector on 2000 Ford F350

Updated 07/13/2012 | Published 07/11/2012

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Question:

I cant seem to find an OEM connection on my 2000 F350 for a brake controller under my dash. I did find four wires red, blue, green with red stripe, and black If I recall correctly that are located very close to where your videos show the OEM connector to be. Would these wires possibly be for brake controller purposes.

asked by: Eric

Expert Reply:

Although the grey plastic brake controller connector socket is typically located behind that panel located under the steering column, there is one alternate location I am aware of. Follow the accelerator pedal all the way up under the dash. Just to the right of where the throttle cable attaches to the end of the pedal, there is a body strut bolted to the firewall. The connector is sometimes pinned to the side of the strut, as shown in the photo I edited for you.

It is unlikely but possible that the connector was removed for some reason. I do not know the OEM wire colors, but you could use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 and test the 4 wires you found. First, make sure the 30-amp fuse for the brake controller power circuit in the fuse box under the hood is in place. Your owner's manual or the legend on the underside of the fuse box lid should show the fuse locations. One of the four wires should show a constant 12-volts which would power the controller, and another of them should show voltage only when the brake pedal is pressed (not while running lamps or turn signals are operated), which would connect to the red brake controller wire. The ground wire is typically either black or white, which would connect to the white controller wire and the remaining wire would carry the output voltage from the controller to the trailer connector and would connect to the blue brake controller wire.

Keep in mind that the wire colors used can vary from vehicle to vehicle even though they were assembled during the same model year. Always test by function, not wire color.

I have linked you to an install video showing the typical connector location, as well as a video that outlines how to use a circuit tester in case you are not familiar with the process.

expert reply by: Mike L