Trailer Brake Controller Installation - Ford F250 (and pretty much any vehicle)

[@aDIYCarGuy]

0:34 .... blue wire goes to the blue wire on the trailer plug, or if you bought an aftermarket plug, it comes with a diagram which shows which port to connect it to ....

[@proudheart_pack8962]

Seriously thank you for this! I knew it was doable but every video i pulled up showed how to plug in a harness. i bought a 20amp in line fuse and extra wire today! Going to tackle this beast tomorrow! Ty!

[@watchmanonthewallcouk6498]

Nice to see a real Truck with a clutch pedal

[@ptnelsonster]

Great vid. Thanks; helps a lot with doing brakes on my ‘86 F250.

[@supersnot4]

Prewired mine when I installed my 7 way plug. Should be cake to install on my '89. Fun fact, the '92 - '97 F-series comes fully prewired if you have the tow package. If you don't have the tow package, 90% of the wiring is already done on all trucks. All you have to do is get the relay box from a junkyard truck, located in front/left of the master cylinder under the hood. Plugs are there on all trucks, capped with no tow package. Then, get the pigtails at the tow hitch from the same truck (or, cut/splice at the harness). There is a plug under the dash on all trucks for the brake controller, all you need there is an adapter. Just did it on my '96 and it works beautifully.

[@ame2entre]

Hey Adam, I have a 94 f150 without the towing package. Followed your advice and went to junk yard and grabbed a relay box and pig tail from one with a tow package. What other wires do I need to run? Do I still need to run the blue brake wire from the 7-way?

[@supersnot4]

​@@ame2entre I did not, the 7-way harness was already fully prewired with reverse, +12v, and brake. Just plugged in the relay box, 7-way and brake controller and all 7 functions worked perfectly. Hopefully your '94 is the same, it was super easy for me.

[@ame2entre]

@@supersnot4 Thank you! I actually found one of the attachments for the fuse box. It was capped and attached to the frame right next the fuse box. It was the one that went right back into the fuse box. I cannot find the other one close by, although I found another capped plug underneath the truck about 2 feet away. When you plugged in both to the relay box were they super close to the fuse box?

[@supersnot4]

@@ame2entre Yes, both were right next to the fuse box. I believe they were both round. It could've been just one plug but I don't remember. The 7 way also had two plugs, one for the stop/turn/tail lights, and one for +12/brake/reverse. Pretty sure that one was capped as well. I sold the truck (I regret it) a few months ago, or I'd go out and look at it, maybe figure out how to send you pictures.

[@2._-1.-_]

Thank you! Perfect for my 89, F-150.

[@NINrod_M]

Great video..you made it so simple. Thanks!

[@artemisiagentileschi2400]

Can you show how to connect the 20 amp fuse to the wire? Thanks

[@shonuffisthemaster]

verry simple explination, thanks

[@josephclark8386]

30 amp self resetting circuit breaker not a 20 amp fuse, install two of them one for the charge line one for brake control feed

[@myavo]

great video really. Nicely done and very helpful.

[@dansloan4242]

Thanks, just what I needed!!! 👍

[@dotbearwoodworking9342]

Thanks for the info

[@kevinmccalla5135]

Thanks str8 to the point 👍🏾

[@dsiglin]

Hey, at 1:22, what is that you are pointing at? I've bought a 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the black wire is run to something that looks like whatever that is. Just trying to figure some things out, thanks!

[@aDIYCarGuy]

David Siglin It's a starter solenoid. That type of solenoid is always on older Fords and is probably on many other vehicles. I used to connect the positive lead. The ground can just be connected to a metal part in the cab. The positive lead for the brake controller doesn't have to be connected to the solenoid, but it's an easy place to connect to since the wire from the battery runs directly to it, that's the only reason I used the solenoid.

[@thesetruths1404]

I hope you know maybe a pointer... Tested trailer plug on Yukon. Is this normal? I was connected to a known good trailer rig. I noticed when I turned my Yukon lights on, the RV brakes were getting some power...I could hear them whining, even in Park. I was parked in Park and Parking Brake on. It does the same thing in Drive, Reverse and Neutral. It will read 3.9V to 4.1V on the brake blade even though nothing is calling for brake power. If I step on the Yukon brake firmly, it goes up to 13.xV as it should. All other pins behave normally when they should. There is always about 30 to 50mV on the brake power blade, even with the Yukon lights fully Off and the adjustment knob on the controller all the way to minimum. When I turn on the Yukon Parking or Headlamp switch, AND the manual controller button for brake power is squeezed, and the variable output knob is turned from 0 to Max, the Voltage will climb with these switches being moved and max out at 3.9 to 4.1V. It does this in Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive...exact same behavior. So I can get the power to almost stop on the brakes while driving it with the lights on, but not entirely as it always has 30 to 50 mili-volts on that blade. But then I have to manually squeeze the controller's brake button to get brakes to engage. What the hell is going on, bad Brake Controller or bad wiring job? I've never noticed brakes whining if sitting in Park unless the brake pedal was being pressed with my other vehicles. You ever experience this? Thanks!

[@OfficialTaylormade1]

Just bought a 2002 F250.. this was already installed.. any advice on how to remove or disable? I think it’s interfering with my regular brake lights 😅

[@RandallsRestRelaxation]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@otoniel780]

thanks you made easy way I have question I have to buy special wire o can I use normal wire

[@jimbobooth5822]

Very helpful! My truck looks just like yours except I have a extended cab and a silver aluminum campershell

[@aDIYCarGuy]

nice, blue and white?

[@jimbobooth5822]

Yup!

[@aDIYCarGuy]

sweet!

[@jimbobooth5822]

a DIY Car Guy and that makes your video even more helpful! Your truck sounds nice by the way

[@aDIYCarGuy]

thanks, its all stock lol, it runs pretty smooth

[@silentknight971]

My 01 Chevy 1500 has one but it only has a 6 pin connector. Would trailer brakes still work if I threw on a 6 pin to a 7pin adaptor?

[@tedleclert7848]

thanks for your help

[@NATEDAWG977]

The fuse is blowing on mine in the black power wire to the battery.

[@pooksterpowo1613]

Is that better than a Bluetooth one?

[@BulletSpoung]

Only one wire is run to the rear? I'm doing a 1974 D200 3/4 ton Dodge Camper Special.

[@aDIYCarGuy]

yep just the blue one for the brake signal/power. you could run an orange one for auxiliary lights, but that would connect to your relay/fuse box.

[@SamSam-hn4qe]

My trailer breaks work just fine. Unit shows connected when I push it manually via unit breaks engage. BUT WILL NOT ENGAGE WITH FOOT PEDAL. I carnt work it out please help 😩😩

[@aDIYCarGuy]

Are you using a plug and play, or hardwired like I did in the video? Try another brake controller to rule out your unit being bad.

[@SamSam-hn4qe]

@@aDIYCarGuy it’s booked at the auto electricians. I think your 100% unit is faulty

[@sharonsuthern871]

Do brake controllers have a fuse that can blow?

[@aDIYCarGuy]

yea there is probably a fuse somewhere on the 12v wire

[@ericbarlee292]

I did this, attached the brake wire back to the 7 pin, and as soon as I pressed the brake peddle i shorted out the 7 pin connector. Would 16 gauge wire just melt?

[@aDIYCarGuy]

eh should use 10 - 12 guage wire for the brake wire that runs back, however, I don't think 16 would melt. Make sure the truck plug and trailer plug are wired in a matching fashion. The positive should be fused too.

[@rode7568]

Question: I have a trailer brake controller already connected. However, I added a 7 pin connector. How do I connect the controller to the 7 pin/find the brake controller wire going to original connector?

[@aDIYCarGuy]

+Ro De I think you're gonna have to literally follow the wires on this one. The blue from the 7 pin will go to the blue on the brake controller, so you could run a new wire. The other wires from the 7 pin go to the vehicle.

[@misurefiney1]

Thank you so much.

[@Goforit8866]

When I hook it up with my trailer and apply the brakes ,the brake unit shows 00 and when I try and adjust it, nothing happens. Do you know whats wrong with it?

[@pii-bunni]

Replying for people wondering the same. The "00" or "n.c" codes that flash are error codes letting you know the controller doesn't like the connection. You need to test the plug (vehicle side) at minimum with a test light, if everything is working repeat this step for the trailer side plug, if not theres a short in which ever wires are not working. (You can google how to do this). If any errors from wiring occur you'll have to fix and/or rewire it (some older vehicles were wired wierd i.e. incorrectly so rewiring may be in order anyway). If you can't figure it out from simple stuff, then you may need to start from scratch, I personally don't mince meat when it comes to the wiring for large trailers (trailers that require a 7 or 6 pin connector). If you feel uncomfortable doing this, take it to a professional or do more research from dedicated sites on trailer wiring (such as etrailer), it's a relatively easy process, but definitely not something I would recommend for beginners because of the potential to cause serious accidents if done haphazardly or incorrectly.

[@willmorris2273]

Do I have to squeeze the buttons or does pushing the brake work

[@aDIYCarGuy]

The trailer brakes should come on when you press the brake pedal.

[@e-tokodori3088]

ありがとう！参考になりました！

[@mayef2348]

I have a cushion the electric brakes only works with the brake controller?, I dont have a break controller in my truck and the electric brakes in my trailer does not work.

[@aDIYCarGuy]

Yea they only work with a brake controller unless the truck has it built in. The power to the trailer brakes doesn't come from the brake lights it comes from the controller. What year and model is your truck?

[@mayef2348]

@@aDIYCarGuy Chevrolet Silverado 1500 , year 2014

[@aDIYCarGuy]

@@mayef2348 Ah that might have a plug under the dash and you can just buy an adapter from an auto parts store that allows you to plug a brake controller into the truck.

[@OfficialCharlieElla]

Thanks

[@tomassoyweyvon4902]

Great clarification, Spaghetti wiring is not fun🤣

[@dalegansen1830]

Try turning on 4 way flashers, does your trailer brakes cycle on and off mine do. What is the fix?

[@aDIYCarGuy]

I don't have this truck anymore so I can't try it. I don't think I turned my 4ways on. When I wire up my van i will try it. I don't know what is causing that. Possibly the red wire is attached to the lights instead of the brake pedal switch, or the wrong side of the brake pedal switch, it should be attached to the cold side.

[@theunderdog2901]

How do I turn it off, I bought a truck that came with one pre-installed?

[@aDIYCarGuy]

disconnect the red wire or pull the fuse

[@401als]

If I'm not towing, where should this be set at?

[@aDIYCarGuy]

With no trailer hooked up? Doesn't matter where the controller is set in that case as it's not doing anything.

[@patricklee780]

That was a weird question, lol.

[@raymondfristrom875]

does the unit need to be level or can it be out of level

[@aDIYCarGuy]

iceberg slim Certain brake controllers do need to be mounted on a certain level....like inertia activated ones. you'll have to look up the specific model of your controller online, or if it came with instructions they will tell you

[@raymondfristrom875]

a DIY Car Guy thanks guy...mine surges at about one third the way over...when I use the brake pedal it surges too / can't make the trailer tires skid

[@aDIYCarGuy]

no problem!

[@noontimewhale]

What is the point of the slider bar on the trailer brake? is that how you set resistance? why does it only stay in the all the way out position? also, looks like you have an XLT? what motor do you have? my truck is very similar except it is a 1990 xl 460 zf 4x4. it has the 5th wheel hitch with a plug inside the bed and also wiring harness for a hitch in back. so what if i needed to hook up my brake signal out to two different harnesses?

[@aDIYCarGuy]

Thomas Salley There is a sync slider on the side of the controller that allows you to control how much power is put to the trailer brakes when you press the vehicle brake pedal. The spring loaded button on the front lets you apply the trailer brakes independently without having to press the vehicle brake pedal. This is in case you need more trailer braking power quickly and the "sync" slider isn't set high enough; and also if the trailer starts swaying you can apply the trailer brakes without applying the vehicle brakes and stop the trailer from swaying. The more you press the button, the more the trailer will brake. It stays in the all the way out position so that the trailer isn't braking while you're trying to drag it. It has a 302 and it was an XLT..it could tow up to 8000lbs. If you need the brake signal to go to each plug, just splice two wires from the signal wire to both trailer plugs. I hope that answers your questions. If not, let me know...and your truck sounds sweet!

[@noontimewhale]

a DIY Car Guy cool man thanks for the reply. yeah it is a work in progress. lol but i am enjoying the experience of fixing it.

[@aDIYCarGuy]

No prob bud. Good to hear you're enjoying it; knowing the nature of these trucks I'm sure there's plenty to fix! lol anything else just lemme know

[@tbirdage]

So it’s a brake light controller?

[@aDIYCarGuy]

It controls the brakes on the trailer, if the trailer has brakes. It is wired such that if you activate the trailer brakes by pressing the button on the brake controller, and without pressing the brake pedal on the tow vehicle, the brake lights will still come on. As you can use the controller to activate the trailer brakes independantly from the tow vehicle.

[@ROTAXD]

Gotta love the quick splice and electrical tape crowd...did we see a frigging wire nut at 2:34 .? C'mon folks, wire it right or have sombody else do it. Vehicle wiring, especially trailer wiring coming undone or shorting at a bad time could wind up being very expensive.

[@aDIYCarGuy]

Gotta love the brainwashed crowd that can't fathom more than one way of doing something. "Oh no gosh dammit not a wire nut, get ot the pitchforks!" If you put the wire nut on correctly, it won't come undone. Wire nuts have a bad rap because most people don't put them on properly. Soldered connections can break apart just as well.

[@ameliamarshall1840]

Ok I have a question. I have a truck when I plug my lights in on my horse trailer the brakes lock up. So my question is can I some how disconnect the brake controller or even take it off, and still have lights?

[@aDIYCarGuy]

nah I would figure out why it's locking the brakes up, it would be pretty dangerous to tow without the bc and possibly illegal; unless you have a dually and the trailer is empty, then probably not dangerous.

[@djandv]

what wire on your hitch plug do you need to tap into?

[@aDIYCarGuy]

the blue wire on the hitch plug gets connected to the blue wire from the brake controller

[@meanoldbonbon2405]

OH MY GOD HIS BLUE PAPER RAG FEEL OFF HIS LIC. PLATE NOW WE KNOW WHERE HE LIVES AND IT NOT IN THE DEED WOOD PILES LIKE A CHIPMONK WELL YOU CAN BUY A SMALL HARNESS THAT PLUGS INTO YOUR TRUCK SAVES TONS OF TIME... CHEAPEST 20 BUCKS I SPENT IN YRS

[@mr19zee]

Came for the info stayed for the 944

[@cfel6879]

I bought a car with an electric brake controller installed, but i want to get rid of it as i'll never use it. Hopefully it's easy to remove

[@patricklee780]

It would be silly to get rid of it, whether you use it or not.

[@TF856]

How do those modern dumb trailer brake controllers know how hard you're pushing on the brake pedal? If they can't connect into the master cylinder they have no idea how hard you're pushing on the brake pedal. Pendulum type trailer brake controllers are dangerous. And the surge brakes on rental trailers are down right suicidal. I'll keep my vintage trailer brake controller that hooks into the master cylinder. It's a hell of a lot safer!

[@Tanhands36]

The modern brake controls, the ones made in the last 50 years, have a gain adjustment to control how much power is sent to the brake similar to the brake value on an air brake system. Nicer units will have a gain and a power adjustment that lets you fine tune how quickly the brakes will set. Having that much control makes dragging 34k with a pickup a little more relaxing. Of course the hard way still works.

[@nrfauto4229]

never connect ground to dash or else where but ground to battery ground then run wire to trailer plug ground as makers of brake controls tell you to do

[@SepticSystem]

lol this video has to be so much older than youtube. next video, now did he transfer it from shoulder mount VHS cam corder to youtube

[@sexy-devil647]

Why didn’t this guy show how to connect the blue wire to the rear plug? Booooo👎🏻

[@aDIYCarGuy]

0:34 .... blue wire goes to the blue wire on the trailer plug, or if you bought an aftermarket plug, it comes with a diagram which shows which port to connect it to .... you really need to see it?

[@Ohsage1111]

He didn't show it because if you don't know how to connect a wire, then you're probably not mentally equipped to be attempting this project in the first place.

[@bradnavratil5502]

@@Ohsage1111 I agree I think that guy's a dummy