Integrated Brake Controller Nightmare
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Integrated Brake Controller Nightmare
I have 2017 F150 V8 with factory tow package and no IBC. I installed two different IBC’s and can’t get it to work. I have an OEM IBC installed now. I flashed, enabled, and saved both IBC settings with Forscan. I have the #24 fuse, module, and other fuses installed from the factory (both under the hood and in the footboard fuse boxes). I cleaned and greased all the trailer connections. I’ve tried two different trailers with the same problem.
I can manually engage the brake controller with the lever to apply
power to the trailer brakes but when I am driving and apply the brake pedal, no signal is sent to the trailer brakes. It does not read anything on the IBC in dash output when I push on the pedal but it will read when I manually apply the lever on the IBC.
The trailer lights work, the truck recognizes the trailer when I plug it in, and the trailer brakes work manually. So it’s not a connection issue. Plus I have cleaned the living day lights out of the plugs. All the fuses on the truck and trailer are good.
My Ford dealer knows less about the trailer IBC than I do which is a shame because all my knowledge came from this forum. Any suggestions on how to fix it? I’m about to rip the thing out and put the old $20 brake controller back on that was installed by RV dealer and worked.
I can manually engage the brake controller with the lever to apply
power to the trailer brakes but when I am driving and apply the brake pedal, no signal is sent to the trailer brakes. It does not read anything on the IBC in dash output when I push on the pedal but it will read when I manually apply the lever on the IBC.
The trailer lights work, the truck recognizes the trailer when I plug it in, and the trailer brakes work manually. So it’s not a connection issue. Plus I have cleaned the living day lights out of the plugs. All the fuses on the truck and trailer are good.
My Ford dealer knows less about the trailer IBC than I do which is a shame because all my knowledge came from this forum. Any suggestions on how to fix it? I’m about to rip the thing out and put the old $20 brake controller back on that was installed by RV dealer and worked.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I did the plain English format only. However, I will pull up the as built format and see what I can decipher. Thank you for the input. I’ll update as soon as I know something.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,952
Likes: 512
From: Foothills, CA
Yes I have one - you mentioned it had an aftermarket controller before - have you checked how that was wired in? As in did they mess any of the factory wires up... And I assume you've adjusted the gain setting...
Trending Topics
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,153
Likes: 1,659
My wife's IBC was installed by the dealer, and when we have a trailer with known good trailer brakes behind it, NOTHING comes up in the dash when you step on the brake. I know it works, though, because said trailer is a flatbed, and I had the gain set a bit too high, and put some small flat spots on the tires of the trailer while empty.
If it says trailer is connected, and it doesn't give you a 'check trailer brakes' error, then I'm pretty sure it is working as intended.
The simplest way to check is to have someone step on the brakes and see if you hear the trailer brakes hum. If you don't, jack up the trailer tires and spin one, then have someone step on the brake and see if it stops. If not then you have a problem. But just going off the dash doesn't mean you have an issue - you either need to check for voltage at the plug with a plug tester, or do a mechanical check.
If it says trailer is connected, and it doesn't give you a 'check trailer brakes' error, then I'm pretty sure it is working as intended.
The simplest way to check is to have someone step on the brakes and see if you hear the trailer brakes hum. If you don't, jack up the trailer tires and spin one, then have someone step on the brake and see if it stops. If not then you have a problem. But just going off the dash doesn't mean you have an issue - you either need to check for voltage at the plug with a plug tester, or do a mechanical check.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
My wife's IBC was installed by the dealer, and when we have a trailer with known good trailer brakes behind it, NOTHING comes up in the dash when you step on the brake. I know it works, though, because said trailer is a flatbed, and I had the gain set a bit too high, and put some small flat spots on the tires of the trailer while empty.
If it says trailer is connected, and it doesn't give you a 'check trailer brakes' error, then I'm pretty sure it is working as intended.
The simplest way to check is to have someone step on the brakes and see if you hear the trailer brakes hum. If you don't, jack up the trailer tires and spin one, then have someone step on the brake and see if it stops. If not then you have a problem. But just going off the dash doesn't mean you have an issue - you either need to check for voltage at the plug with a plug tester, or do a mechanical check.
If it says trailer is connected, and it doesn't give you a 'check trailer brakes' error, then I'm pretty sure it is working as intended.
The simplest way to check is to have someone step on the brakes and see if you hear the trailer brakes hum. If you don't, jack up the trailer tires and spin one, then have someone step on the brake and see if it stops. If not then you have a problem. But just going off the dash doesn't mean you have an issue - you either need to check for voltage at the plug with a plug tester, or do a mechanical check.
but there is a problem if the cluster is not showing brake output even though the brakes actually work
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
seventyseven250
All Things Towing
13
May 22, 2017 09:24 PM
1duallyman
Electrical Systems/Wiring
3
Jun 9, 2011 05:49 AM