Trailer brake controller doesn't wk @ 0 MPH
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,957
Likes: 50
From: Mesa
I think I read that there was a mid yr change on the Ford controllers to allow full voltage while stopped. I think you can also go to your dealer and have your controller fixed.. I'll try and find this info..
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Pre 03/23/05 brake controller
Originally Posted by V10man
I think I read that there was a mid yr change on the Ford controllers to allow full voltage while stopped. I think you can also go to your dealer and have your controller fixed.. I'll try and find this info..
Last edited by Superduper; Sep 15, 2005 at 02:58 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Utah
With my old 91 I can't speak from personal experience but I've read a couple of posts about the new ford controler not working "well" under 15 mph. This was a problem for guys like you trying to slide your hitch and a big problem for others trying to back boats down boat ramps. I can't find the posts off hand but look here and on that "other ford diesel site" I'm sure you can find more details. If I recall ford had a way to fix the problem if you complained enough.
P.S. It can/will burn out a lot of controlers if you supply 12v (as suggested above) to lockup the breaks while the controler is hooked up. That said it would be pretty simple to install a 3 way that would disconnect the controler and apply 12 v (like a parking break of sorts) with the flip of one switch.
P.S. It can/will burn out a lot of controlers if you supply 12v (as suggested above) to lockup the breaks while the controler is hooked up. That said it would be pretty simple to install a 3 way that would disconnect the controler and apply 12 v (like a parking break of sorts) with the flip of one switch.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
Are we saying here that the new built-in Ford controller has no manual function at all?
Obviously there are times when tower's need that!
(i.e. a "pull test" on a 5th wheel hook-up.)
2.7 amps wan't lock my brakes down but 8 will.
I'm beginning to think I like my Prodigy in my '04 Ford above what Ford is touting as the ultimate in built-in trailer towing capability.
Obviously there are times when tower's need that!
(i.e. a "pull test" on a 5th wheel hook-up.)
2.7 amps wan't lock my brakes down but 8 will.
I'm beginning to think I like my Prodigy in my '04 Ford above what Ford is touting as the ultimate in built-in trailer towing capability.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
reply to brake controller questions
I believe the build date cutoff is about Feb '05; before that had the old style controller, after that they used a brake controller that works. Ford says that the old style controller works as designed (although a very poor design) so it is not a warranty recall. I paid about $300 to have mine replaced & the new one works fine. I can now lock the brakes on my 5er & move the truck to slide the slider hitch, which is not possible with the old pre Feb '05 controllers. I think that the old controller does not work as a "brake controller" as advertized & that Ford should make it good at no charge. However, after spending way too much time searching for other owners who felt the same as me, I could only come up with less than 3; not enough to make a case to Ford. So I had to pay the $300.
New User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Ford has upgraded my controller for free. I followed the process in the owners manual.
- contacted the Service Advisor, was quoted a charge of $350.00
- contacted the Service Manager, explained to him my need to test the trailer brakes and hitch hook-up while standing still. I also pointed out that Ford was producing a brake controller that did not meet industry standards. Ford agreed to upgrade.
Also remember there is Appeal board for cases like this.
- contacted the Service Advisor, was quoted a charge of $350.00
- contacted the Service Manager, explained to him my need to test the trailer brakes and hitch hook-up while standing still. I also pointed out that Ford was producing a brake controller that did not meet industry standards. Ford agreed to upgrade.
Also remember there is Appeal board for cases like this.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 0
From: Utah County, UT
what is everyone who has replaced the faulty brake controller doing with the old brake controllers? I am curious to know if it is an entire unit as do the AUX switches come with the brake controller? If so, I would be interested in possibly buying one.
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
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 0
From: Utah County, UT
Originally Posted by mwpierson
The controller and the upfitter switches are two separate units. You can get the switch assembly and wiring harness from the Ford parts counter.
Mike
Mike
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
I was able to get my Ford dealer to replace my pre-February '05 TBC with the newer version (so they say). It works just like the old one. No difference and still no ability to lock up the trailer brakes at 0 mph.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Trailer brake lock-up for 5er
Originally Posted by sanpanchosue
Pull the trailer's break-away cord to lock the brakes, adjust your hitch and reinsert the break-away plug.
Last edited by Superduper; Nov 23, 2005 at 07:01 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
I have to ask:
Does the "new Ford built-in controler" have a manual switch or slider power switch?
I.E. where you can "lock the brakes up at rest" with full power, or test your brake connections before getting on the road.
I can crank my Prodigy up in "manual mode" by it's lever and lock the trailer brakes when standing still. That tells me I have a good connectioin and trailer brakes are connecting from the vehicle and brake circuits are operational.
Does the new Ford controller not offer the same opr similar feature to test connections and insure trailer brakes are operational?
Not much for LED indicators. Rather see the system at maximum current with wheels locked on the trailer before I pull out!
Does the "new Ford built-in controler" have a manual switch or slider power switch?
I.E. where you can "lock the brakes up at rest" with full power, or test your brake connections before getting on the road.
I can crank my Prodigy up in "manual mode" by it's lever and lock the trailer brakes when standing still. That tells me I have a good connectioin and trailer brakes are connecting from the vehicle and brake circuits are operational.
Does the new Ford controller not offer the same opr similar feature to test connections and insure trailer brakes are operational?
Not much for LED indicators. Rather see the system at maximum current with wheels locked on the trailer before I pull out!
Last edited by Catfish_Man; Nov 28, 2005 at 12:18 PM.
New User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by yawee
Ford has upgraded my controller for free. I followed the process in the owners manual.
- contacted the Service Advisor, was quoted a charge of $350.00
- contacted the Service Manager, explained to him my need to test the trailer brakes and hitch hook-up while standing still. I also pointed out that Ford was producing a brake controller that did not meet industry standards. Ford agreed to upgrade.
Also remember there is Appeal board for cases like this.
- contacted the Service Advisor, was quoted a charge of $350.00
- contacted the Service Manager, explained to him my need to test the trailer brakes and hitch hook-up while standing still. I also pointed out that Ford was producing a brake controller that did not meet industry standards. Ford agreed to upgrade.
Also remember there is Appeal board for cases like this.