Troubleshooting Factory Integrated Brake Controller With No Power on a 2008 Ford F-250
Updated 11/13/2013 | Published 11/10/2013
Question:
Hi I just bought an 08 f250 superduty. It has factory brake controller . My problem is that the controller comes on in the truck then shuts off I manually slide swith and I get the display that trailer disconneted. All the light work but I have no power to the brakes on either of my trailers. They worked fine on my old truck. I have to controller in cab but nothing out back.
asked by: Kevin
Expert Reply:
My research revealed that many 2008 Ford F-250 owners have had similar issues with their factory integrated brake controllers.
Because your IBC is coming on when you start your truck it is hooked up but because it is going off directly thereafter the likely cause is that either your plug is bad or you have a grounding issue in your harness.
The first thing to check is that the plug from your brake controller to your wiring harness is free of discoloration and corrosion and does not have any damaged or bent pins. If the pins are corroded or bent then your plug is not seated properly and will not operate.
Next check all of your grounds. Make sure that they are attached to a clean, bare metal surface that is free of road grit or paint. Some owners have found that just cleaning their grounding points will cause their IBC to begin working normally.
If the plug is good and your grounding points are secure, then using a circuit tester such as Quickee # 3808 test the pins on your 7-way at the back of your truck. If you are not getting signal when testing your 7-way then you know you have a short in your vehicle wiring.
Many of the owners in your situation have used the Tow-Ready # 118243 that you referenced to replace their old wiring and have had no further issues. Another option is cut off your connector and hard-wire in the Hopkins # HM40975-11998. If you choose this option we recommend that you also use either electrical tape or shrink tubing around the connection to make it totally secure from the elements.
If cleaning the plug, checking the grounds and testing your 7-way still does not provide an answer, the last probability is that your brake controller is faulty. This repair would have to be taken care of at an authorized Ford dealership. If you find that it will be expensive to repair I have attached a link to brake controllers that will work with your truck.
By far our most popular brake controller is the Tekonsha Prodigy Proportional Brake Controller # 90885. For your truck you would also want to use the wiring adapter for Ford trucks, # 3034-P.
I have attached a brief installation video on a 2010 F-150 which should have the same basic installation procedure as your F-250. I also have included a FAQ article covering brake controller installation on a 2005-2007 Ford super duty truck for your reference.
