Troubleshooting Brake Rite Disc Brake Electric over Hydraulic Actuator On 2018 Ford F-450

Updated 08/14/2023 | Published 08/12/2023

Question:

I have a 2018 Ford F450 with factory installed brake controller. I have a BrakeRite with ECB. I have a triple axle boat trailer with disc brakes on all 6 wheels. The BrakeRite actuator powers up using the brake controller manually, but does not power up using the truck brake pedal while the truck is in park. When I attempted to bleed the system using the brake controller manually the flow out of the bleeder screws was not really under any pressure like videos that Ive watched. it just kinda flowed or dribbled out. Is that because I was using the brake controller manually vs. pulling the break-away key? Is the pump possibly not coming up to full pressure because there is an issue with the truck brake pedal not powering up the actuator? I have read the instructions manual and gone through the questions that have already been asked. Here is what Im going to do tomorrow. 1. Bench Test the BrakeRite actuator if the Actuator works does that mean that there is a really good chance that the actuator is not the problem? I have read that the actuator might need to be rotated on its back to help get air out of the system. Since this is not a new install not sure I need to do it but...? 2. Check all wiring connections/re-wire the Actuator per the diagram and make sure that the actuator turns on with the brake controller manually and the truck brake pedal applied. When testing the truck brake pedal application can that be done while the truck is in park or does it need to be done with the truck in drive and slowly moving? 3. Bleed the system by pulling the break-away key. My factory controller does have a trailer set-up feature where I can pick electric over hydraulic. But Ive also read that you have to have the truck in tow/haul mode? Do you think I need the actuator adapter for my year and model of truck. The wiring system currently has an adapter wired in but I previously had 2012 GMC 2500. I did order the actuator adapter so I have a new one that I can wire in. There is alot going on with this so sorry for the long conversation with some questions. Bottom line is Ive read that its most likely NOT the actuator but since I was able to get it to power up using the brake controller manually and the bleeding pressure was so low Im wondering if it is the actuator? Thanks for the help.

asked by: ERIC M

Helpful Expert Reply:

The factory brake controller on your 2018 Ford F-450 is designed to work on electric over hydraulic brake systems. One note I did find in your owners manual is brake output is diminished by the truck at speeds of 11mph or lower so this will explain why when you press the brake pedal you do not get the same output as when using the manual activation. The simplest way to test the actuator is by simply pulling the breakaway cable and verifying it does activate and continuously run. You will need to ensure the battery is full and in good condition.

Also according to your owners manual on your F-450 there is a way to change the factory controller to Electric over Hydraulic mode. These steps are taken through the in dash screen controls. Once you have verified the control is set correctly you should be able to increase the gain to maximum output and use the manual override on the controller as well to bleed the trailer brakes.

If you are still not getting the correct output either manually with the trailer breakaway or brake controller you most likely have either a wiring issue or actuator issue. Connecting the actuator directly to 12 volt power will allow you to verify if it is the actuator. You can also contact your local Ford dealer about checking your Controller for any updates or having the programming checked for the factory controller.

expert reply by: Bud M