I pulled a Hopkins trailer brake adapter harness (connects gray factory plug under dash to brake controller unit) out of a 2002 7.3L Excursion and went to install it in a 2002 6.8L Ex (same year as the other but gas engine). Much to my surprise, the gray factory connector under the dash has a completely different shape. Here's the male end of the adapter harness that used to plug into the connector on the 7.3:


and here's the gray female connector I found in the 6.8L truck:


Does anyone have any clue on this? I can't find any adapter harnesses online that match the photo of the second connector. Did Ford change this connector mid-year maybe? My 2002 Ford electrical manual matches the first photo. Does anyone have a 2003 manual or a pinout for a connector that matches the second photo? I'm really scratching my head on this one. I'm not finding any other connectors under the dash that aren't already plugged into something so I'm convinced I've found the trailer brake controller connector.

 

You can get the harness that plugs into that at most automotive stores and splice it into your controller. You probably can find it online.

Steve

 

almost looks like this Curt plug?
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories...AaAthKEALw_wcB

 

Similar, but not quite the same shape. Also, the connector in my truck is 6-pin while this is 4 and they're both female. I can't for the life of me find anything that would fit this connector.

If someone could identify the function of the cables in this connector then I can wire in manually. I'm not sure how the pins are numbered but here are the colors:

light blue/black
light blue/orange
light blue/yellow
yellow/red
orange/white

A pinout diagram would be awesome. I can't find a connector that looks like this in my electrical manual so I don't know WTH is going on.

 

Ok, problem solved. The connector I was looking at was for the adjustable pedal motor, which is disconnected. The brake controller connector is buried WAAY up behind the dash under the radio. Almost impossible to see from underneath. I had to feel around for it. The PO must have pulled it out in the 7.3 because it wasn't that well hidden.

 

Great news... I was going to ask you to confirm you had the right plug.