Traileer Brake controller
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2006
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Don't know if this will help
When I got my 2000 F250 7.3L Diesel (used), the guy had not pulled with it. I actually had to get a 30amp fuse for the fuse box under the hood, to enable the trailer brakes. You should be able to get the fuse position from your owner's manual.
Hope this helps.
-Pete
Colorado Springs
Hope this helps.
-Pete
Colorado Springs
New User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18
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Originally Posted by tvsjr
The lack of brake application under a certain speed was addressed by a TSB, and updated versions of the controller functioned appropriately at all speeds. The TBC on my '05 F350 works fine, even at low speed.
Do you know the TSB number? I just posted a question regarding this this morning, not realizing there was already a thread related to it.
My '05 F-350 (early build) does not output any braking voltage until the truck is going about 15 mph. I've heard that there was a software upgrade later in '05 to give braking even when stopped, but my dealer says no.
My problem is trying to ensure a fifth-wheel trailer hitch is engaged and locked.
You are supposed to do a "tug test" after hooking up by manually squeezing the brake control for full output to lock the trailer brakes, then try to move the truck forward. Mine won't because there's no output under 15 mph.
My son's father in law dropped his fifth wheel onto the truck bed in his '05 F-250 because of this.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Fairbanks, AK
Appears to be no TSB or software update...
When manually squeezing the brake control lever, you should get full power regardless of speed...at least I did. It was when applying via the pedal that the speed issue arose.
No big deal to me, now I know that if I want to apply braking to my trailer at low speeds, I just have to use the lever...but haven't had to do so as of yet.
When manually squeezing the brake control lever, you should get full power regardless of speed...at least I did. It was when applying via the pedal that the speed issue arose.
No big deal to me, now I know that if I want to apply braking to my trailer at low speeds, I just have to use the lever...but haven't had to do so as of yet.
New User
Joined: May 2006
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Since I posted the above, I've done some more research. Here's what it appears to be:
There are two versions of the Ford factory trailer brake controller. Those installed in trucks before March something of 2005 (mine) has a controller that only puts out 1-3 volts when the truck is stopped or moving less that 15 mph. This is true even using the manual slide control. After March something of 2005 Ford started using an upgraded controller that will operate like the original, except will put out 0-10 volts at any speed or when stopped when using the manual slide control.
There is no TSB to replace or update the original controllers. Ford's position on the subject is that the original controllers work as designed and therefore are not subject for updates or replacements under warranty.
So ... if those of us with the version one controllers want the version two, I quess we'll have to belly up to the bar and pay for it.
There are two versions of the Ford factory trailer brake controller. Those installed in trucks before March something of 2005 (mine) has a controller that only puts out 1-3 volts when the truck is stopped or moving less that 15 mph. This is true even using the manual slide control. After March something of 2005 Ford started using an upgraded controller that will operate like the original, except will put out 0-10 volts at any speed or when stopped when using the manual slide control.
There is no TSB to replace or update the original controllers. Ford's position on the subject is that the original controllers work as designed and therefore are not subject for updates or replacements under warranty.
So ... if those of us with the version one controllers want the version two, I quess we'll have to belly up to the bar and pay for it.
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
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From: MACON, GA
I just checked on door. My F- 350 mfrd. 03/05. I am so mad. I will spend the next three days on the telephone, and filing complaints with the FED regarding this matter. I am mad at FORD. BUT, more irate at ALLAN VIGIL Ford & Riverside FORD both in GA for not telling me the problem for a year. I have spent so much time and money trying to fix the trailer. Shame on YOU BILL FORD. You don't deserve to receive a pay check and probably why you refuse to be paid!!!!! Obiously I will not have breaks. If stopped for a DOT road check, how do I prove I have trailer brakes???? Regarding the suggestion I belly up to the bar and re PAY, my msrp was around 55K$. Such a pathetic shame.
Last edited by rmosso1; May 16, 2006 at 01:24 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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The DOT was given a Bulletin from Ford that tells them of the no trailer brakes at slow speed issue...as a matter of fact, I believe I got one with my 05 and had to show it to the DOT once...they are aware of the situation anyway...
I had the DOT ride on my running board until I got up to 15 mph and then hit the brakes...that was fun!!
I had the DOT ride on my running board until I got up to 15 mph and then hit the brakes...that was fun!!
New User
Joined: May 2006
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Here's the actual wording of the Ford Service Bulletin:
"18630 2005 SUPER DUTY F-SERIES - NORMAL OUTPUT VOLTAGE FOR A MANUAL APPLY FROM THE FORD TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER - SERVICE TIP
THE VOLTAGE OUTPUT FOR MANUAL TRAILER BRAKE APPLICATION FROM THE FACTORY INSTALLED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER ON 2005 F-SUPER DUTY VEHICLES IS IN TWO DIFFERENT RANGES, BASED ON BUILD DATE. THE NORMAL OUTPUT VOLTAGE FOR A FULL MANUAL APPLY (MANUAL ACTIVATOR LEVER SLID FULLY TO THE LEFT, GAIN SETTING OF 10, VEHICLE NOT MOVING) IS 1-3 VOLTS ON VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 3/23/05, AND IS GREATER THAN 10 VOLTS ON VEHICLES BUILT AFTER 3/23/05. BRAKE PEDAL BASED OUTPUT FROM THE CONTROLLER IS THE SAME REGARDLESS OF BUILD DATE. DO NOT REPLACE THE CONTROLLER IF IT IS PROVIDING VOLTAGE OUTPUT IN THE CORRECT RANGE BASED ON BUILD DATE. REFER TO SECTION 206-10 OF THE WORKSHOP MANUAL FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/26/2005 "
So, if your truck was built before March 23, 2005, you have the first generation controller. Note: There's no provision or authorization to upgrade or replace the older with the newer.
"18630 2005 SUPER DUTY F-SERIES - NORMAL OUTPUT VOLTAGE FOR A MANUAL APPLY FROM THE FORD TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER - SERVICE TIP
THE VOLTAGE OUTPUT FOR MANUAL TRAILER BRAKE APPLICATION FROM THE FACTORY INSTALLED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER ON 2005 F-SUPER DUTY VEHICLES IS IN TWO DIFFERENT RANGES, BASED ON BUILD DATE. THE NORMAL OUTPUT VOLTAGE FOR A FULL MANUAL APPLY (MANUAL ACTIVATOR LEVER SLID FULLY TO THE LEFT, GAIN SETTING OF 10, VEHICLE NOT MOVING) IS 1-3 VOLTS ON VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 3/23/05, AND IS GREATER THAN 10 VOLTS ON VEHICLES BUILT AFTER 3/23/05. BRAKE PEDAL BASED OUTPUT FROM THE CONTROLLER IS THE SAME REGARDLESS OF BUILD DATE. DO NOT REPLACE THE CONTROLLER IF IT IS PROVIDING VOLTAGE OUTPUT IN THE CORRECT RANGE BASED ON BUILD DATE. REFER TO SECTION 206-10 OF THE WORKSHOP MANUAL FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/26/2005 "
So, if your truck was built before March 23, 2005, you have the first generation controller. Note: There's no provision or authorization to upgrade or replace the older with the newer.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 111
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From: Fairbanks, AK
I guess I'm not so sure it's a problem...
I have the old version.
@ stop, via the pedal, it puts out 2.7 volts.
@stop via the manual slider, it puts out 11 volts and locks up the wheels.
The brake controller works flawlessly while pulling a load at speed, so now that I know how it works, I'm pretty happy. If I'm going less than 10 or 15, the truck stops whatever I'm pulling just fine whether it's 10,000# or 20,000#.
Not so sure I'd want the newer version that would lock up the brakes going 5 mph andthrow me forward in the seat in a parking lot anyway.
No doubt I was frustrated trying to figure this system out initially, and I started a couple threads about it, but again now that I know the nature of the beast, I'm extremely happy in how it works especially after experiencing several aftermarket units on past trucks.
I have the old version.
@ stop, via the pedal, it puts out 2.7 volts.
@stop via the manual slider, it puts out 11 volts and locks up the wheels.
The brake controller works flawlessly while pulling a load at speed, so now that I know how it works, I'm pretty happy. If I'm going less than 10 or 15, the truck stops whatever I'm pulling just fine whether it's 10,000# or 20,000#.
Not so sure I'd want the newer version that would lock up the brakes going 5 mph andthrow me forward in the seat in a parking lot anyway.
No doubt I was frustrated trying to figure this system out initially, and I started a couple threads about it, but again now that I know the nature of the beast, I'm extremely happy in how it works especially after experiencing several aftermarket units on past trucks.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,617
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From: Denver, Co
Good info, folks. I've been following along with FTE for about a year now, and this is the first time that I've seen a definitive answer to the differing brake controller behaviours.
IMHO, this deserves a sticky in the FAQ.
IMHO, this deserves a sticky in the FAQ.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 420
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Lets get this straight...the new style brake controller works EXACTLY the same as the older version while driving and using the foot brake....
The only way anyone could lock the brakes at low speed with the newer version is to manually slide the lever ALL the way to the left and hold it there....that would be a operator error at that point, not a brake controller issue!!
I would rather have the manual controll at any speed...as I am capable of manually operating that lever as to NOT lock the brakes!
The only way anyone could lock the brakes at low speed with the newer version is to manually slide the lever ALL the way to the left and hold it there....that would be a operator error at that point, not a brake controller issue!!
I would rather have the manual controll at any speed...as I am capable of manually operating that lever as to NOT lock the brakes!