Trailer brake controller install
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2016
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Trailer brake controller install
I've just bought a new 2016 SD xlt. The only extra I wanted that is missing is the factory trailer brake controller. The dealer told me it had to be programmed. I was expecting plug and play and planned to do it myself till they told me that. Is this true? I've not been able to find this on the forum. Can anyone tell me about this?
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,935
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From: NY/Canada border
You can install yourself, it pretty much is plug, but they have to reflash the truck to make it play. The only one I've done is an F150, I don't know if the 250s are that much different.
I saved $$ by buying a Ford unit from an online dealer and installing myself compared to buying from the local dealer and having them install. I still had to have them do the reflash.
I saved $$ by buying a Ford unit from an online dealer and installing myself compared to buying from the local dealer and having them install. I still had to have them do the reflash.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 282
Likes: 3
Not only will it have to be programed but you might need a different master cylinder. I know earlier trucks had a different master cylinder to function with the proportioning /gain of the switch. You need to check into that. The economical way is to get an aftermarket electronic unit. Yea, yea, I know it doesn't look stock.
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2016
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Ok thanks guys. I did get the controller as part of the deal, but they are charging for the install. $100. I did have a prodigy p2 I removed from the 2007 I traded. But as was said the factory one looks better and has some other features which I suppose is the reason for the programming. Thanks all I appreciate the quick response. Install appointment is at 1300 today. 
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,935
Likes: 1,351
From: NY/Canada border
Ok thanks guys. I did get the controller as part of the deal, but they are charging for the install. $100. I did have a prodigy p2 I removed from the 2007 I traded. But as was said the factory one looks better and has some other features which I suppose is the reason for the programming. Thanks all I appreciate the quick response. Install appointment is at 1300 today.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,392
Likes: 22
From: very South Texas
100 dollars is Fair..
its easy for the dealer, and not so hard on you.
the Ford controller is nice.. over the P3 I had in the Dodge.
and you can NOT cut your knee on the housing.. or damage slacks.
its easy for the dealer, and not so hard on you.
the Ford controller is nice.. over the P3 I had in the Dodge.
and you can NOT cut your knee on the housing.. or damage slacks.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 6
From: Edmonton, AB
You can install yourself, it pretty much is plug, but they have to reflash the truck to make it play. The only one I've done is an F150, I don't know if the 250s are that much different.
I saved $$ by buying a Ford unit from an online dealer and installing myself compared to buying from the local dealer and having them install. I still had to have them do the reflash.
I saved $$ by buying a Ford unit from an online dealer and installing myself compared to buying from the local dealer and having them install. I still had to have them do the reflash.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2016
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Anyway looks clean and works great.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,348
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From: Edmonton, AB
Took it in and about 15 minutes later it was done. But before they called a big ruckus developed out on the showroom floor. Some BIG dude wasn't happy. It all ended up outside as the sheriff escorted him away. The service writer saw me outside and let me know my truck was ready. We got to talking about the excitement (never found out what he was so po'd about) but I paid the $214.00 install bill. Got home and thought to myself $214? It was suppose to be $100. I called and I guess the "deal" never got back to service. They are correcting it, but seriously 1.8 hours for this job??
Anyway looks clean and works great.
Anyway looks clean and works great.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Not only will it have to be programed but you might need a different master cylinder. I know earlier trucks had a different master cylinder to function with the proportioning /gain of the switch. You need to check into that. The economical way is to get an aftermarket electronic unit. Yea, yea, I know it doesn't look stock.
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Resqguy77
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Dec 1, 2015 11:08 AM