I recentlly purchased a 2008 SD F-250. It did not come from the factory with the brake controller. I want to put one on, but I don't know what to purchase. I uderstand that there were options that would give you messages through the dash, but since my truck did not come equipped with the controller, can that be activated?

 

Bump this question as I am in the same boat - about to purchase a 2008 F250 FX4 that does not have the integrated controller. Can I add it in or should I just buy a Prodigy or something else??

 

yes you can add it. The wiring should all be there already.

You will need to get:

a new master cylinder (get the one w/iTBC)
the brake control module (the part that goes in the console)
and you will need to have the iTBC enabled in the vehicle's Smart Junction Box (usually done by a dealership)


...WORTH IT.

 

Thank you for your reply. I have always heard good reports of that integrated brake controller.

I have access to a wrecked 2005 F250 V10 that has the controller. Now the dash unit is on the opposite side so not likely a fit, but is there somewhere I can check if I can pull the master cylinder off the 2005 and use it on my 2008??

Thanks again!!

 

For those reading this thread, you apparently need more than just the in-dash module and the master cylinder to make this work. Based on what I read here and elsewhere on FTE, I ordered the module and master cylinder from a scrap yard. Received them yesterday and went out to install them and the master cylinder does not line up to the brake booster...

I have a 2008 F250 Crew cab FX4 with a V10 6.8L built in January, 2008. Still remains to be seen as I do more research, but it appears that the Integrated Brake Controller needs a hydraulic brake booster as well. This brake booster ties into the power steering pump, so I'm hoping I don't also need to purchase a different pump!

The good news is that the IBC dash module went in no problem and the plug was right there ready to be plugged in!!

Hoping this is all I need. Will re-post once completed.

 

Depending upon your model..if you have a diesel it may hydroboost. That needs to be considered.

But that should be it.

2008 model year will not show up in the dash. You will read the gain on the TBC itself. But it does need to be enabled.

 

Sorry - apparently posted unfinished text.

 

My 2008 is a V10 6.8L Gasoline. Current brake booster is vacuum and seems it would extend the master cylinder I just purchased too far out and into the anti-freeze reserve bottle even if the holes lined up (which they don't). The holes on the vacuum brake booster are at 2 and 7 o'clock and the hydroboost master cylinder are horizontal at 3 and 9.

So I'm not sure if I received the wrong master cylinder for my application or if ALL Tow Command systems need the "full hydraulic" system to do this.

At this point, I believe I need the hydraulic brake booster to do this, but will I need a different power steering pump as well to make the connection??

Senix - Also not sure what you mean that "2008 model year will not show up in the dash."

I know once all is installed I will have to have a dealer enable it in the "Smart Junction Box".

Thanks!

 

nope, there are four different master cylinders.

1) w/Vacuum Boost w/iTBC
2) w/Vacuum Boost w/o iTBC
3) w/o Vacuum Boost w/iTBC
4) w/o Vacuum Boost w/o iTBC

You got the wrong part.

My application is Vacuum boost, so they do exist.

Generally (although not always true) gasoline engines get the Vacuum booster on brakes (gasoline engines have vacuum) while diesels get hydraulic boosters due to lack of vacuum. This isn't always true because some diesels get vacuum pumps and some gasolines get hydraulic boosters.

did your new (used) MC come from a diesel?

 

you asked if the TBC messages would show up in the dash...

The only message you will see in the dash are:
"TBC Fault" if something is diagnostically wrong
"Trailer Disconnected" if the trailer electrical disconnects while the vehicle is on.

The gain reading and percentage bar will only be on the TBC module itself.

 

I will request the vacuum master cylinder for applications with iTBC. Do you know if there is a difference between the 5.4L V8 and the 6.8L V10 as far as the master cylinder / vacuum brake booster goes?

Basically asking if you know if I can just purchase a master cylinder ONLY from a gasoline application that had the iTBC, or do I need both?

The Control module I received came from a 2008 F250 5.4 V8 Gas: http://www.autobidmaster.com/carfind..._ST._LOUIS_MO/

and the master cylinder DID come from a 2008 diesel application with the iTBC.

Thanks for your help.

 

the only differences for the master cylinder should be w/vacuum or w/o vacuum.

There shouldn't be a difference for different engines...


The difference between w/iTBC and w/o is simply one more hole machined to accept the pressure sensor. Since the sensor measures brake line pressure there should be no difference based on booster or engine.

can you not just get the master cylinder from that same pickup?

 

Thanks - not sure if they still have that part from the same truck or not, but will check tomorrow now I have a better idea of the correct item I need.

 

That is what I mean't. A fault will show in the message center. TBC gain will be at the controller.

 

Thanks Senix!

Will follow up once I get the correct part here and installed.