2019 Ford Ranger Aftermarket Brake Control Installation Issues

[@technicallyreal]

I'm glad you use the brake light wire and suggest the chmsl wire, since going by the brake pedal signal not only has the issues you outlined, but also isn't activated by the AEB (automatic emergency breaking) or ACC (adaptive cruise control) systems. If the truck were to automatically apply brakes in an emergency situation without also applying trailer brakes, then you're gonna have a bad time. And insurance may not cover you either.

[@ConnectedCorrectly]

Absolutely! That has become quite a conversation topic between OEMs and aftermarket equipment providers. SOME OEMs are taking those situations into consideration and others are not. In the meantime, until we have a comprehensive list backed with field research, it’s best NOT to use the CHMSL circuit for brake controller input; especially on late year model vehicles.

[@akshonclip]

The CHMSL wire comes off the BCM. Left side under dash next to fuse box. Connector 5, Pin 13 (wire color Yellow w/ Grey Stripe) Be sure to also use a diode.

[@anotherbrickinthewall1700]

Great explanation and job. If I ever need something like this done to my truck, I will visit, even from way up north.

[@ConnectedCorrectly]

We’d love that! However, you wouldn’t be the first! So far, the record for furthest driven by a customer for our services is 1,314 miles. They drove to Northwest Arkansas from Henderson, NV. 😳

[@thomasbochanski4172]

I just bought a 2021 Ford Ranger XL STX with no tow package. I will be installing a Tow Pro Elite Break Controller that I have acquired through a Ford Dealership. As you point out, there is no wiring or plug under the dash to install a break controller. I was able to mostly follow your video, but I didn't quite catch where you should hardwire the blue trailer brake wire from the controller. It sounds like you are advising that the blue trailer brake wire coming from the controller should be hardwired into the break light wire found at the back of the truck. FYI, the kit from the Ford Dealership (VKB3Z2C006A) does have a Lumen Trailer Lamp ECU that is connected to the CHMSL on the back of the truck cab. If you could confirm, that would be awesome! Thank you!

[@ConnectedCorrectly]

The CHMSL circuit (with the associated ECU) will be what “tells” the brake controller that you are pressing the brake pedal and that it needs to send power to the trailer brakes. The blue wire FROM the brake controller will be ran/hardwired from the controller in the cab to the electric brake circuit post in the wiring plug at the back of the truck. It should be a “straight run” and not connected to anything else.

[@thomasbochanski4172]

Got it! Thank you so much! Best Regards, Tom

[@rodrigoleite2108]

Great explanation!! I hope on my truck I have the wires available

[@pablogarin]

This Ranger doesn't have the blunt cut wires for the TBC because it doesn't have the tow package. You can tell by the fact there's no 7-pin connector at the back. It's kind of weird, but the tow package doesn't include the TBC, you have to get it separately (part number VKB3Z2C006A)

[@akshonclip]

That Ford TBC includes a separate module that allows connection to the CHMSL. Its plug and play but a lot of work to install as you have to run the wires all the way up to the 3rd brake lamp.

[@pablogarin]

@@akshonclip I know, I did that on my Ranger... it's actually easier than you think. The point of my comment is that the Ranger on the video doesn't have the tow package, and in those Rangers that do have it, Ford left the wires ready to plug the TBC... if you want to you can install just the TBC, and not the auxiliary module, but then you would have to disable the automatic emergency braking (pre-collision assist). The connection to the CHMSL is only a workaround for the AEB

[@lesterxxx7642]

very nice. think this is a very informulable installation guide

[@WireGuyGlobal]

Great info. Thanks for the detailed explanation.

[@kenkauzens7984]

This is a weird situation. I have no pig tail but the wire harness at the trailer plug has all seven wires there. I used an adapter to get a seven plug and I have reverse. Why would they include trailer sway when no seven plug? The fuse box has an output for trailer brake power. Did you look into tapping in to the fuse box under the hood?

[@ConnectedCorrectly]

Hi Ken. If you have a model that has ANY trailer wiring, then yours is better equipped than the one in this video. We ARE aware of the fuse provisions for the trailer wiring in the power distribution box under the hood. On the truck in this video, those fuse positions were there, but the wiring was not. In other words, those fuse bays were not “active.” As far as a factory trailer sway feature (not sure what that is comprised of), Ford probably puts that on all these trucks as “standard” equipment because if they provide ANY way to pull a trailer (even if that’s a hole in the bumper for a ball), then they probably want that feature to work. I’m not entirely sure how the manufacturers are accomplishing trailer sway control on their trucks. It would almost have to be something that utilizes the ABS system to apply short alternating brake pulses to the rear wheels of the vehicle... 🤔 From an aftermarket perspective, trailer sway has always been best controlled with a mechanical sway control device mounted between the vehicle/trailer.

[@mrjasonherron]

I have a 2021 ranger xl stx. Mine doesn't have the 4 wires under the dash. Ibought the REDARC vkb3z-2c006-a fe9m Ford not knowing I didn't have the wires. Mine has the harness going to the rear brake light in the rear of the headliner. Just need to find out where to hook up my yellow and blue wire off of the REDARC. Have less than a week before I have to drive 8 hours to pick up a 2023 RV . Any help appreciated

[@Ronnie_Herron]

Had any problems out the ranger?

[@prof.crastinator]

Why is there no harness for this? Wth

[@BGPOND30]

So what your saying is there is a chance...

[@josegarcia-js2zv]

A whole year and no one liked this comment?

[@franktartan6808]

Just bought a 2019 Lariat with a tow package. My new brake controller arrived today. Official ford model. Now I am concerned....

[@ConnectedCorrectly]

Don’t be too concerned! Since the original filming of this video, REDARC has partnered with Ford and the “official Ford model” is the REDARC Tow Pro brake controller. It probably even came with the wiring kit that simplifies the installation by eliminating the guess-work. 👍🏼

[@Rolzitto]

I'm sure you know by now if the tow package is there it has wires... you were close wrapped in blue tape & main loom

[@ConnectedCorrectly]

James Rolzitto: Yes. We knew that. The point of this video is that there are some Rangers that do not have wires AT ALL. We have since seen more Rangers that were equipped similarly to this one that HAD the wires. This one did not. In these apparent rare cases, the vehicle will have to be “hardwired.”