Troubleshooting Brake Controller On 2012 Ford F-250 With Factory Brake Controller

Published 10/17/2014

Question:

Old brakes appeared not to be working. With the truck stopped, if I put the brakes on manually with the OEM Ford brake controller and did a pull test, wheels roll and brakes do not lock up. I had all brakes replaced and are having same results. Installed a new controller, same results. Dealer states brakes should not lock up at a standstill because controller is a pendulum type which operates by sencing the brake motion of the truck and applying brake by increasing voltage. So at a stand still you cant lock up brakes. Truck is 2012 Ford F250. Trailer is 2013 Columbus, 320RS 5th wheel, with Lipper axles. Im totally baffed and dont know what to do next.

asked by: Bill Z

Expert Reply:

There are a couple of things you can check to see if you can locate the problem. Keep in mind your system is not designed to lock the brakes up if the system is installed properly. They are designed to actuate the brakes in proportion to the braking motion of your truck.

If you install an after market brake controller in place of the factory unit, it will set a fault code on the instrument cluster. The only way to remove the code is to have the code turned off by your dealer.

Many of our customers have installed an after market brake controller because they are not happy with the way the brakes work on their trailers. If you wish to replace the controller you have, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885. The plug-in harness for this controller I recommend is part # 3034-P. I have attached an installation video for a brake controller on an F-150 you can check out.

First, you will want to make sure the brakes are adjusted properly on your trailer. Then at a reduced speed, operate the manual override and see if that makes the brakes work. You can check the wiring on your truck connector with a circuit tester like part # PTW2992 to see if you are getting current on the brake wire when the brakes are being applied. Next, test the trailer side of the connection and make sure you see current when brakes are applied.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L