Notices
1999 - 2016 Super Duty 1999 to 2016 Ford F250, F350, F450 and F550 Super Duty with diesel V8 and gas V8 and V10 engines
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Real Truck

Brake controller.....again

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 5, 2015 | 07:59 PM
  #1  
Necronommicon's Avatar
Necronommicon
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 87
Likes: 2
Brake controller.....again

Alright, so I did search, I just didn't quite find what I was looking for. Can later model year brake controllers and up fitter switches fit earlier models? Example: my 250SD is an '06 will an '08-'10 OEM brake controllers fit in the designated spot? My truck does have the tow package, just no switches and no controller. I also read that I may need a different master, is that correct? Or that I will have to get the computer flashed, is that also correct? Thanks in advance, and I'm sorry if this has been covered and I didn't see it.
 
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2015 | 08:22 PM
  #2  
fairlane70's Avatar
fairlane70
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
For your 06 you can get upfitter switches and relay harness from ford or online and simply plug in and use.the brake controller also available and simply plugs in, then carry it buy Ford dealer to have it flashed to pcm. my dealer here charged me 30.00 to flash controller to truck,
 
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2015 | 11:01 PM
  #3  
bobv60's Avatar
bobv60
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 84
From: Rainier OR
From what I could tell you do need a different master cyl and pressure sender. I think the only ones that will fit/work on you 2006 is the 05-07. More reading https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_TowCommand
 
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2015 | 04:33 AM
  #4  
Necronommicon's Avatar
Necronommicon
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 87
Likes: 2
So from what I am understanding (and maybe I'm wrong), I COULD use an OEM controller without changing the MC, it just won't change the gain if my ABS kicks in. Seem correct? I am picking my new camper up this Thursday and I'd like to have all my ducks in a row. Thanks for the help guys! I would rather have the clean OEM look over the aftermarket external dash mount, if possible. If anyone else has any input, I'm all ears! Thanks again!
 
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2015 | 08:10 AM
  #5  
Tom's Avatar
Tom
Super Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 738
From: Isanti, MN
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by Necronommicon
So from what I am understanding (and maybe I'm wrong), I COULD use an OEM controller without changing the MC, it just won't change the gain if my ABS kicks in. Seem correct?
Nope, I'm 99% certain that will not work. The master cylinder sensor isn't for the ABS, it's how the controller knows how hard you are braking. Most aftermarket controllers use an inertia sensor to guess your braking intentions, the Ford system uses a pressure sensor on the master cylinder. Without that sensor the controller has absolutely no idea how hard you're trying to brake, so it can't function.

The OEM controller is much more than just the clean look. Because it measures your braking pressure directly it's a much more seamless method of controlling your trailer brakes. It's a safer option than even the best aftermarket controllers as a result. I've had a few Tekonsha Prodigy controllers, and the inertia system certainly isn't flawless. You really want the factory controller for how well it works, not just the look!
 
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2015 | 08:26 AM
  #6  
Necronommicon's Avatar
Necronommicon
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 87
Likes: 2
Tom, Thanks for that great info. Is there a way I can tell if the MC needs to be changed out, just by looking at it?
 
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2015 | 09:33 AM
  #7  
Necronommicon's Avatar
Necronommicon
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 87
Likes: 2
Ok, I'm just going to assume that the MC that is currently on the truck does not have the sensor needed. What is a good replacement? Raybestos, Cardone, or FoMoCo Is there really a difference between them? I know that even the FoMoCo one has 2 different part numbers. I'm not sure how to tell which one is the correct one.
 
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2015 | 09:37 AM
  #8  
Tom's Avatar
Tom
Super Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 738
From: Isanti, MN
Club FTE Gold Member
I really wish I had some good answers for you on this. I'm not ignoring you, I just don't know as I've heard differing things.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-3

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

 Brett Foote
story-6

5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)

 Joe Kucinski
Old Sep 6, 2015 | 09:39 AM
  #9  
Necronommicon's Avatar
Necronommicon
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 87
Likes: 2
No worries! I'm planning on needing to replace the MC to add the controller. I just want to be sure before I drop the money one it. My biggest thing now is can any brand MC work? Also, what is the difference in the vacuum boost or hydro-boost, or are they the same? Example: Part Number: 2140(BRMC-25) Part Description: With 4 Wheel Disc Brake Hydro-Boost ; Integrated Brake Control $240.38 OR Part Number: 2140 Part Description: Power 4-Wheel Disc Vacuum Boost ; Integrated Brake Control $346.17.
 
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2015 | 01:04 PM
  #10  
Necronommicon's Avatar
Necronommicon
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 87
Likes: 2



Also, what are these wires for? There is no connector on them, they are just snipped.
 
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2015 | 02:11 PM
  #11  
bobv60's Avatar
bobv60
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 84
From: Rainier OR
The other end of those wires are inside the cab. Ford gave as some wires that go through the cab for accessories.
 
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2015 | 02:24 PM
  #12  
bobv60's Avatar
bobv60
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 84
From: Rainier OR
it might be worth wile to find a 05-07 that has the factory TBC and compare the master cyls. Where are you located?
 
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2015 | 03:45 PM
  #13  
fairlane70's Avatar
fairlane70
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
The wires are from the upfitter switches. Call your Ford Dealer about the brake controller, thats what I did and they said you did not need to change master cylinder when adding brake controller, but did need to have them program brake controller.(basically telling truck pcm to accept factory brake controller) yours may be totally different. Mine truck is a 2006 f250 4x4 v10. Mine came with towing package but no upfitter switches or brake controller, I added them after I bought truck used.
 
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2015 | 03:45 PM
  #14  
Necronommicon's Avatar
Necronommicon
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 87
Likes: 2
I'm in SE Michigan. I just stumbled across a TBC, upfitters, and MC for around $105. Seems like a decent deal. They're coming from a 40K mile donor truck, same engine and all that I have.
 
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2015 | 03:48 PM
  #15  
Necronommicon's Avatar
Necronommicon
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 87
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by fairlane70
The wires are from the upfitter switches. Call your Ford Dealer about the brake controller, thats what I did and they said you did not need to change master cylinder when adding brake controller, but did need to have them program brake controller.(basically telling truck pcm to accept factory brake controller) yours may be totally different. Mine truck is a 2006 f250 4x4 v10. Mine came with towing package but no upfitter switches or brake controller, I added them after I bought truck used.
Sounds like we have the same truck, I have an '06 F250 CC 4X4 V10 with tow as well. It's just missing the switches and TBC. I'll give them a call first thing Tuesday morning. Thanks!
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:08 PM.

story-0
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-2
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-6
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!

Slideshow: Ranking the 5 things owners love about their Super Duty and 5 things they don't

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:36:49


VIEW MORE
story-8
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!

Slideshow: Ranking all 12 Ford truck engines available in 2026.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 13:32:20


VIEW MORE
story-9
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)

Slideshow: The best Ford F-150 deal for every trim level (XL through Raptor)

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-21 15:59:01


VIEW MORE