Intgrated Brake Controller Bypassed?
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Tempe, AZ
Intgrated Brake Controller Bypassed?
Anyone know if the factory brake controller on a 2005 SD can be bypassed with an aftermarket controller? Is there a brake controller plug under the dash? If so, what are the steps to unplug the factory unit? Thanks...
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,752
Likes: 5
From: Stillwater, OK
pull the plug out (you'll need it to put the aftermarket one in) and have a dealer turn the parameter off in the GEM ($90).
now... the question is why would you want to turn off a brake controller that works with engine, transmission, speedometer, ABS, throttle position, and brake system pressure to make a silky smooth stop for one that either using a timing ramp-up circuit, a buggy accelerometer, or a pendulum that has trouble working on hills?
now... the question is why would you want to turn off a brake controller that works with engine, transmission, speedometer, ABS, throttle position, and brake system pressure to make a silky smooth stop for one that either using a timing ramp-up circuit, a buggy accelerometer, or a pendulum that has trouble working on hills?
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Tempe, AZ
I pull a 40' heavy Toy Hauler. A couple friends are doing the same with the same truck (05 F350) using the integrated controller. All of us don't feel the braking power is there to the trailer, even when cranked up to 10. To add another data point, another person in the group uses a 3rd party controller and his braker capability is 3x to what we have and has to considerable turn it down to not lock up the trailer brakes. I have to wonder if the stock controller puts out enough voltage to stop these heavy trailers. The trailer brakes have been inspected and are in working order. Any input is appreciated..
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Tempe, AZ
I suppose I could be getting more braking power than I think when driving at speed. If the controller applies more braking power at 60MPH then at 20MPH, then maybe I'm find. But I definitely don't "feel" like the braking is heavier. I do feel it, but it is minimal. Definitely feel like the truck is doing majority of the braking with little help from the trailer.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 939
Likes: 1
From: Central Kansas
The controller may be working just fine. It feels different than you're used to w/ an aftermarket controller - instead of the trailer brakes jerking you back or you definitely feeling them engage, w/ the integrated system it varies how much it engages the trailer brakes by how hard you press on the truck's brakes. If you're light on the trucks brakes, not much voltage is applied to the trailer brakes so you won't feel that tug you're probably used to w/ an aftermarket controller. The whole point is to make it all seamless. Try this, you and your friend w/ the aftermarket controller both hook up to the same load and get up to the same speed and come to a fairly hard stop and measure how far it takes both trucks to stop, that will tell you for sure if yours is or isn't working. Or an easier method, just go for a drive and turn the controller all the way up to 10 and pull the slider - that will apply max power to the trailer and they should engage fully just like you're used to.
All that said, it sounds like these are heavy trailers, are they perhaps electric over hydraulic brakes? It's been reported that the IBC does have some problems w/ that type of brakes. Also, some early 2005's were set to not engage the trailer brakes at all under 15 or 20mph, that was fixed sometime in 2005 i believe.
All that said, it sounds like these are heavy trailers, are they perhaps electric over hydraulic brakes? It's been reported that the IBC does have some problems w/ that type of brakes. Also, some early 2005's were set to not engage the trailer brakes at all under 15 or 20mph, that was fixed sometime in 2005 i believe.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Tempe, AZ
I have definitely cranked it up to 10 and then slide the lever at speed. Feel a slight tug, but definitely not even close to being enough to slow down. No way.... Just doesn't seem to be enough...at all....to slow this trailer down. All three axles on the trailer have brakes as well. Fully loaded, 14k-15K pounds. Anyone else experience similiar loads with the stock controller?
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Tempe, AZ
Doing more research on this... called around to a couple local shops. All the input I'm getting is this controller should be doing a great job for the application and that I probably have something else that is not doing it's job. Think I'll take the trailer down to another shop have the brakes fully inspected along with the voltage output at the harness.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 24,308
Likes: 42
From: SW Virginia
There was a TSB issued on this back in 2005. The early TBCs had a lower voltage output on a manual application of the brakes than the later builds. Some of the early TBCs were actually replaced due to not even having the output mentioned in the TSB.
18630 2005 SUPER DUTY F-SERIES - NORMAL OUTPUT VOLTAGE FOR A MANUAL APPLY FROM THE FORD TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER - SERVICE TIP
THE VOLTAGE OUTPUT FOR MANUAL TRAILER BRAKE APPLICATION FROM THE FACTORY INSTALLED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER ON 2005 F-SUPER DUTY VEHICLES IS IN TWO DIFFERENT RANGES, BASED ON BUILD DATE. THE NORMAL OUTPUT VOLTAGE FOR A FULL MANUAL APPLY (MANUAL ACTIVATOR LEVER SLID FULLY TO THE LEFT, GAIN SETTING OF 10, VEHICLE NOT MOVING) IS 1-3 VOLTS ON VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 3/23/05, AND IS GREATER THAN 10 VOLTS ON VEHICLES BUILT AFTER 3/23/05. BRAKE PEDAL BASED OUTPUT FROM THE CONTROLLER IS THE SAME REGARDLESS OF BUILD DATE. DO NOT REPLACE THE CONTROLLER IF IT IS PROVIDING VOLTAGE OUTPUT IN THE CORRECT RANGE BASED ON BUILD DATE. REFER TO SECTION 206-10 OF THE WORKSHOP MANUAL FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/26/2005
---------------------------------------------------------------------
18531 2005 F-SUPER DUTY - KIT AVAILABLE FOR DEALER INSTALLATION OF TOWCOMMAND SYSTEM
TO INSTALL A TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER ON A 2005 F-SUPER DUTY THAT WAS NOT ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED FROM THE FACTORY, ORDER KIT 5C3Z-19H332-AA FOR ALL GAS ENGINE SINGLE REAR WHEEL APPLICATIONS; OR ORDER KIT 5C3Z-19H332-BA FOR ALL DIESEL ENGINE AND DUAL REAR WHEEL APPLICATIONS. FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION PROCEDURES IN THE INSTRUCTION SHEET INCLUDED IN THE KIT. REFERENCE SECTION 206-10 OF THE 2005 WORKSHOP MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IF NEEDED.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/07/2005
----------------------------------------------------------------------
18472 2005 F-SUPER DUTY - DEALER INSTALLATION OF TOWCOMMAND SYSTEM - SERVICE TIP
IF A TOWCOMMAND SYSTEM TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER IS DEALER-INSTALLED ON A 2005 F-SUPER DUTY THAT DID NOT COME FROM THE FACTORY WITH THE TOWCOMMAND SYSTEM, THE CONTROLLER MAY NOT OPERATE AND FUNCTION AS DESIGNED UNLESS A BRAKE PRESSURE TRANSDUCER EQUIPPED MASTER CYLINDER IS INSTALLED AND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS RECONFIGURED. TO CONFIGURE THE CLUSTER USING WDS (CANNOT USE NGS): IDENTIFY VEHICLE; SELECT TOOLBOX ICON; FROM LIST ON LEFT SIDE OF SCREEN SELECT 'MODULE PROGRAMMING' AND HIT TICK BUTTON; SELECT THE PROGRAMMABLE PARAMETER ITEM AND A SUB-MENU WILL APPEAR. IN THIS SUB-MENU, SELECT 'PERSONALITY' AND HIT TICK BUTTON; SELECT 'TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER' THEN SELECT 'EQUIPPED'. MASTER CYLINDER INSTALLATION AND CLUSTER RECONFIGURATION TO COMPLETE DEALER-INSTALLATION OF THE TOWCOMMAND SYSTEM ARE NOT WARRANTABLE.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 03/15/2005
-------------------------------------------------------------------
18253 2005 SUPER DUTY F-SERIES - AFTERMARKET TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER INSTALLATION - SERVICE TIP
THE CONNECTION POINTS FOR AN AFTERMARKET TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM ON A 2005 SUPER DUTY F-SERIES ARE THE SAME AS PRIOR MODEL YEARS. THE AFTERMARKET TRAILER BRAKE CONNECTOR (VEHICLE SIDE) IS MOUNTED TO THE BACK OF THE STORAGE BIN TO THE RIGHT OF THE STEERING COLUMN BELOW THE RADIO. THE LOWER PANEL BELOW THE RADIO MAY NEED TO BE REMOVED TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE CONNECTOR. THE BLUNT CUT HARNESS (BRAKE CONTROLLER SIDE) IS LOCATED IN THE GLOVE BOX. IF A CUSTOMER WANTS TO INSTALL AN AFTERMARKET TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER ON A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A FACTORY INSTALLED CONTROLLER, THE FACTORY INSTALLED CONTROLLER MUST BE LEFT INTACT AND THE AFTERMARKET CONTROLLER INSTALLED COMPLETELY SEPARATELY. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, REFERENCE WORKSHOP MANUAL SECTION 206-10.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/21/2004
18877 2005-2006 F-super Duty - Trailer Brake Controller Applications
The Factory-installed Integrated Trailer Brake Controller Available On The 2005-2006 F-super Duty Has Only Been Verified To Be Compatible With Trailers Having Electric-actuated Drum Brakes (one To Four Axles) And Not Hydraulic Surge Or Electric-over-hydraulic Types. See Workshop Manual Section 206-10 And The Owner Guide For Further Details About System Operation.
Effective Date: 10/17/2005
THE VOLTAGE OUTPUT FOR MANUAL TRAILER BRAKE APPLICATION FROM THE FACTORY INSTALLED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER ON 2005 F-SUPER DUTY VEHICLES IS IN TWO DIFFERENT RANGES, BASED ON BUILD DATE. THE NORMAL OUTPUT VOLTAGE FOR A FULL MANUAL APPLY (MANUAL ACTIVATOR LEVER SLID FULLY TO THE LEFT, GAIN SETTING OF 10, VEHICLE NOT MOVING) IS 1-3 VOLTS ON VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 3/23/05, AND IS GREATER THAN 10 VOLTS ON VEHICLES BUILT AFTER 3/23/05. BRAKE PEDAL BASED OUTPUT FROM THE CONTROLLER IS THE SAME REGARDLESS OF BUILD DATE. DO NOT REPLACE THE CONTROLLER IF IT IS PROVIDING VOLTAGE OUTPUT IN THE CORRECT RANGE BASED ON BUILD DATE. REFER TO SECTION 206-10 OF THE WORKSHOP MANUAL FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/26/2005
---------------------------------------------------------------------
18531 2005 F-SUPER DUTY - KIT AVAILABLE FOR DEALER INSTALLATION OF TOWCOMMAND SYSTEM
TO INSTALL A TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER ON A 2005 F-SUPER DUTY THAT WAS NOT ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED FROM THE FACTORY, ORDER KIT 5C3Z-19H332-AA FOR ALL GAS ENGINE SINGLE REAR WHEEL APPLICATIONS; OR ORDER KIT 5C3Z-19H332-BA FOR ALL DIESEL ENGINE AND DUAL REAR WHEEL APPLICATIONS. FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION PROCEDURES IN THE INSTRUCTION SHEET INCLUDED IN THE KIT. REFERENCE SECTION 206-10 OF THE 2005 WORKSHOP MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IF NEEDED.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/07/2005
----------------------------------------------------------------------
18472 2005 F-SUPER DUTY - DEALER INSTALLATION OF TOWCOMMAND SYSTEM - SERVICE TIP
IF A TOWCOMMAND SYSTEM TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER IS DEALER-INSTALLED ON A 2005 F-SUPER DUTY THAT DID NOT COME FROM THE FACTORY WITH THE TOWCOMMAND SYSTEM, THE CONTROLLER MAY NOT OPERATE AND FUNCTION AS DESIGNED UNLESS A BRAKE PRESSURE TRANSDUCER EQUIPPED MASTER CYLINDER IS INSTALLED AND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS RECONFIGURED. TO CONFIGURE THE CLUSTER USING WDS (CANNOT USE NGS): IDENTIFY VEHICLE; SELECT TOOLBOX ICON; FROM LIST ON LEFT SIDE OF SCREEN SELECT 'MODULE PROGRAMMING' AND HIT TICK BUTTON; SELECT THE PROGRAMMABLE PARAMETER ITEM AND A SUB-MENU WILL APPEAR. IN THIS SUB-MENU, SELECT 'PERSONALITY' AND HIT TICK BUTTON; SELECT 'TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER' THEN SELECT 'EQUIPPED'. MASTER CYLINDER INSTALLATION AND CLUSTER RECONFIGURATION TO COMPLETE DEALER-INSTALLATION OF THE TOWCOMMAND SYSTEM ARE NOT WARRANTABLE.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 03/15/2005
-------------------------------------------------------------------
18253 2005 SUPER DUTY F-SERIES - AFTERMARKET TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER INSTALLATION - SERVICE TIP
THE CONNECTION POINTS FOR AN AFTERMARKET TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM ON A 2005 SUPER DUTY F-SERIES ARE THE SAME AS PRIOR MODEL YEARS. THE AFTERMARKET TRAILER BRAKE CONNECTOR (VEHICLE SIDE) IS MOUNTED TO THE BACK OF THE STORAGE BIN TO THE RIGHT OF THE STEERING COLUMN BELOW THE RADIO. THE LOWER PANEL BELOW THE RADIO MAY NEED TO BE REMOVED TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE CONNECTOR. THE BLUNT CUT HARNESS (BRAKE CONTROLLER SIDE) IS LOCATED IN THE GLOVE BOX. IF A CUSTOMER WANTS TO INSTALL AN AFTERMARKET TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER ON A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A FACTORY INSTALLED CONTROLLER, THE FACTORY INSTALLED CONTROLLER MUST BE LEFT INTACT AND THE AFTERMARKET CONTROLLER INSTALLED COMPLETELY SEPARATELY. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, REFERENCE WORKSHOP MANUAL SECTION 206-10.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/21/2004
18877 2005-2006 F-super Duty - Trailer Brake Controller Applications
The Factory-installed Integrated Trailer Brake Controller Available On The 2005-2006 F-super Duty Has Only Been Verified To Be Compatible With Trailers Having Electric-actuated Drum Brakes (one To Four Axles) And Not Hydraulic Surge Or Electric-over-hydraulic Types. See Workshop Manual Section 206-10 And The Owner Guide For Further Details About System Operation.
Effective Date: 10/17/2005
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 939
Likes: 1
From: Central Kansas
I have definitely cranked it up to 10 and then slide the lever at speed. Feel a slight tug, but definitely not even close to being enough to slow down. No way.... Just doesn't seem to be enough...at all....to slow this trailer down. All three axles on the trailer have brakes as well. Fully loaded, 14k-15K pounds. Anyone else experience similiar loads with the stock controller?
I've only got a 5.4 so I've never pulled anything near that heavy, but mine works flawlessly at about 1/2 that much weight, only dialed up to about 5 or 6. That controller though should be easily capable of stopping that load.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,752
Likes: 5
From: Stillwater, OK
Dialed up to 7, mine will lock all four wheels on a 10,000# travel trailer using the slider. Possibly lower, 7.0 is just a good setting for the trailer.
Until I bought this pickup, I'd cussed brake controllers out for years. The timed ones didn't like the way I approached stoplights... they always want me to go go go go go, then STOP! So I constantly release the brake to turn the lights (and the trailer braking) off, then I have to wait for the controller to ramp up again before I can slow down... which is especially horrible on a hill.
Then there are the inertia controllers which don't do diddly squat if the truck brakes can't even begin to slow down the trailer... thank heaven for a manual transmission... but you shouldn't have to use the transmission along with the brake pedal to apply the trailer brakes... just isn't supposed to be that complicated.
The best way is to even the braking power out according to weight (which is what the gain is for) and the pedal application (which is what the transducer in the master cylinder is for)... throw in a few other inputs like speed and ABS application, and that iTBC is the best one out there hands down.
Gone are the days of trailers driving pickups. They might cost a bit more, but they are darn sure worth it.
As somebody mentioned, these controllers are not compatible with all Elec/hyd systems. Sometimes I think those systems were invented to make a proprietary brake controller possible (you want to use our brakes? use our controllers... those others don't send the right signal).
Until I bought this pickup, I'd cussed brake controllers out for years. The timed ones didn't like the way I approached stoplights... they always want me to go go go go go, then STOP! So I constantly release the brake to turn the lights (and the trailer braking) off, then I have to wait for the controller to ramp up again before I can slow down... which is especially horrible on a hill.
Then there are the inertia controllers which don't do diddly squat if the truck brakes can't even begin to slow down the trailer... thank heaven for a manual transmission... but you shouldn't have to use the transmission along with the brake pedal to apply the trailer brakes... just isn't supposed to be that complicated.
The best way is to even the braking power out according to weight (which is what the gain is for) and the pedal application (which is what the transducer in the master cylinder is for)... throw in a few other inputs like speed and ABS application, and that iTBC is the best one out there hands down.
Gone are the days of trailers driving pickups. They might cost a bit more, but they are darn sure worth it.
As somebody mentioned, these controllers are not compatible with all Elec/hyd systems. Sometimes I think those systems were invented to make a proprietary brake controller possible (you want to use our brakes? use our controllers... those others don't send the right signal).
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 939
Likes: 1
From: Central Kansas
Lol, I never even caught that! Sad Ford has to actually put that in a tech manual.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,375
Likes: 1,860
From: Frederick, MD
I had an issue where I thought my controller maybe bad. Then I tested the brakes on the trailer. Back two where not even getting power.
So check the brakes on the trailer for power and also adjustments.
So check the brakes on the trailer for power and also adjustments.
New User
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
2006 f250 powerstroke
pull the plug out (you'll need it to put the aftermarket one in) and have a dealer turn the parameter off in the GEM ($90).
now... the question is why would you want to turn off a brake controller that works with engine, transmission, speedometer, ABS, throttle position, and brake system pressure to make a silky smooth stop for one that either using a timing ramp-up circuit, a buggy accelerometer, or a pendulum that has trouble working on hills?
now... the question is why would you want to turn off a brake controller that works with engine, transmission, speedometer, ABS, throttle position, and brake system pressure to make a silky smooth stop for one that either using a timing ramp-up circuit, a buggy accelerometer, or a pendulum that has trouble working on hills?
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 49
Likes: 3
From: Aberdeen, NC
It went from a Prodigy on my Chevy to the integrated on the Ford and it is 100 times better. As stated above it works with other components to send the signal. I tow a fifth wheel about 8500 and have mine set on 5.5.