Trailer Brake Controller Question
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Trailer Brake Controller Question
I have been going through my recently purchased 2003 Excursion XLT V10 and one thing I have always questioned is the harness that seems like it should be hooked to a brake controller which is mounted below my dash. Im concerned that the stock trailer braking system is no longer working and I am going to tow my car in about a week to the race track. Can I just get a brake controller or is the harness propreitary to each trailer brake controller? There is also a small switch next to the harness that im not sure the function of. I have tried to trace back the wires but havent been able to get enough of the lower dash panels off yet. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
Thanks
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,172
Likes: 1
From: Oakdale,Ca.
Unless you see a brake controller under the dash, you most likely do not have one. I know our '04 came with the "Trailer/Tow" package, but all there is, is the wiring and plug in at the bumper. I'm pretty sure you need to wire in your own controller....any will work, since the controller just needs a 12volt feed and ground, then the output goes to your harness labeled "trailer brakes".
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, AB.
If the plug your describing is the one up and to the right of the gas pedal then you can usually pick up the mating end wire harness from the same place you get the controller from. Wiring instructions should come with both and they are pretty much standard in all Ford trucks. When I got my prodigy controller it came with a Ford harness. I simply matched up the colors of the wires as per the instructions and plugged it in. I keep a spare controller in the trailer in case this one ever quits working on a trip. All I have to do to change it is unplug one and plug the other in. I think there are also some wiring diagrams on FTE somewhere, probably in thee SD forum. Hope this helps.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 914
Likes: 0
From: Livermore, Ca.
Trending Topics
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
I have a Tekonsha Prodigy in my Excursion and like it a lot. I just recently purchased a PSD F250 and a Tekonsha Voyager was already installed in the truck, but I'm replacing it with another Prodigy to keep everything uniform.
The Voyager works flawlessly. So much so, I've procrastinated swapping it out for the new Prodigy controller I purchased back in November.
Drop me a PM if you're interested in my Voyager unit. It will come with a dedicated Ford wiring harness since I bought a new one to go with my Prodigy unit.
BTW, look for this plug under your dash. It's the tow harness you'll plug your braking unit into.
To orient yourself, that's looking from the drivers side, towards the center, next to where your right knee would be if you were driving, under and behind the radio and climate controls.
Stewart
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
