Where Does a Trailer Brake Controller Plug In on a 2013 Ford F-150

Updated 11/03/2020 | Published 06/08/2013

Question:

I have a P2 controller.. Is this the correct adapter for a 2013 FORD F150 STX?.. My new truck has the tow package but I cannot find the pre-wired plug. The dealership says its under the steering wheel. I found a plug taped to a cable under there.. but its empty.. no wires. Confused.

asked by: Chuck P

Helpful Expert Reply:

The plug on a 2013 Ford F-150 to plug in a brake controller wiring harness is hidden pretty well. You actually have to temporarily remove a panel from the center console to access it. Wiring harness # 22292 is the correct wiring harness for you truck. I have indued a link to a video showing a typical installation that will help you locate the factory plug.

expert reply by: Michael H

Brent L.

5/4/2020

I found the same situation as Chuck P on my 2013 f150 with tow package.. an empty adapter taped to the wiring harness next to the code reader port. No wires! Could it be that the factory failed to wire in a connector on these vehicles? If so, what would you do?

Chris R.

5/7/2020

I'm not sure the plug you found is the factory brake controller port. The correct plug would be a bit further up the dash, and probably pretty well hidden. If you still can't find the (wired) brake controller plug after digging around some more please let me know.

Brent L.

5/9/2020

Chris, I've done everything I know to do to locate that plug including removing the panel and metal plate under the steering wheel. I've laid on my back and traced every wiring harness with a flashlight. I'm confident it's not there.

Chris R.

5/12/2020

Thanks for the info. I suppose it could be that the brake controller port just wasn't wired at the factory - you could always bring the truck up to a local Ford dealer just to be extra EXTRA sure. Otherwise you have a couple of options - you could just hardwire a traditional brake controller like the Prodigy P2 # 90885 in (using the Wiring Kit # 5506 will help) or you could go with the unique Curt Echo # C51180, which would prevent you from having to do any wiring. The Echo plugs right into the truck's existing 7-Way connector at the bumper and pairs to your smart phone via Bluetooth, so you wouldn't have to worry about the factory brake controller port/wiring at all.