Help with wiring brake controller
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New User
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Cave Creek, AZ
Help with wiring brake controller
I bought a 2000 F250 V10 last month to tow my trailer. I went out yesterday to install my Prodigy brake controller. I thought it was going to be a simple plug and play day...well it wasn't. 
Under the dash I think I found the wires that need to be connected to the Prodigy wire harness but they appear to be cut. Then I look inside the engine compartment and find the same thing. I went to a local stealership and they said I would need to by the entire wiring harness for $1353....
Can anyone help????
I will try to post the pictures I took to give everyone a better idea of what I am talking about.
Under the dash I think I found the wires that need to be connected to the Prodigy wire harness but they appear to be cut. Then I look inside the engine compartment and find the same thing. I went to a local stealership and they said I would need to by the entire wiring harness for $1353.... Can anyone help????
I will try to post the pictures I took to give everyone a better idea of what I am talking about.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Millersville, MD
Got a good idea of what you are describing....to heck with the new harness.... I'd just wire the Prodigy in like in the old days.... Can you possibly reconnect the engine side back to where they were cut from?
If worse comes to worst, I'd call the number on the Prodigy and talk to a rep there. They have been VERY helpful to others. I think they could tell you what to do. Maybe even email you some directions.
If worse comes to worst, I'd call the number on the Prodigy and talk to a rep there. They have been VERY helpful to others. I think they could tell you what to do. Maybe even email you some directions.
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From: Louisville, Kentucky
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Cave Creek, AZ
Thanks KingRanch....lets see if this works.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...pictureid=3137
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...pictureid=3138
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...pictureid=3136
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...pictureid=3135
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...pictureid=3134
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...pictureid=3133
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...pictureid=3137
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...pictureid=3138
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...pictureid=3136
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...pictureid=3135
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...pictureid=3134
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...pictureid=3133
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
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From: Millersville, MD
Auto Zone or most any auto parts store should have all the connectors you might require. - I'd still call Prodigy if their installation sheets that came with it don't help.
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From: Cave Creek, AZ
Double post........sorry
Last edited by azhunter18; Mar 6, 2009 at 10:24 AM. Reason: Double post
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From: Scio, OR
I'm not sure you're looking at the brake controller wires. Those look like the customer pass through wires. At least the ones in the very first picture, and the engine bay pictures. Where in the cab are those wires?
The electric trailer brake controller connector is sometimes very hard to find. It's on the far right of the access panel under the dash, firmly attached to a frame member. It can be a bit difficult to access.
The missing fuses/relay's are actually not unusual. In many earlier vehicles, they were not installed at the factory but were put in a bag in the glove box for the dealer or the customer to install. They include the fuse for power to the brake controller, and a fuse and relay for the 12v feed to the 7 way plug. You should be able to find the location, fuse rating, etc in your owners manual. If you don't have an owners manual, you can download one here.
https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenan...ls/default.asp
The electric trailer brake controller connector is sometimes very hard to find. It's on the far right of the access panel under the dash, firmly attached to a frame member. It can be a bit difficult to access.
The missing fuses/relay's are actually not unusual. In many earlier vehicles, they were not installed at the factory but were put in a bag in the glove box for the dealer or the customer to install. They include the fuse for power to the brake controller, and a fuse and relay for the 12v feed to the 7 way plug. You should be able to find the location, fuse rating, etc in your owners manual. If you don't have an owners manual, you can download one here.
https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenan...ls/default.asp
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Scio, OR
OK. I've taken a lot closer look at the pictures. I believe the 4 wires you are pointing out in the engine compartment are the customer pass through wires. Those appear to be the factory taping on the ends.
However, take a look at the picture I've attached here. In one red circle is a grey connector. This is the trailer brake controller connector. I've also circled 5 wires that I'm guessing have been cut off that connector. If this is the case, the wires are as follows.
Brown - Illumination. You won't need this.
White - Ground
Red - Voltage supplied at all times
Light Green - Voltage from brake switch
Dark Blue - Wire to 7 way connector for the brake signal
You may still need to put the fuses into the engine compartment. But if someone had a brake controller wired there, you actually shouldn't.
However, take a look at the picture I've attached here. In one red circle is a grey connector. This is the trailer brake controller connector. I've also circled 5 wires that I'm guessing have been cut off that connector. If this is the case, the wires are as follows.
Brown - Illumination. You won't need this.
White - Ground
Red - Voltage supplied at all times
Light Green - Voltage from brake switch
Dark Blue - Wire to 7 way connector for the brake signal
You may still need to put the fuses into the engine compartment. But if someone had a brake controller wired there, you actually shouldn't.
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New User
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Cave Creek, AZ
You are life saver David.
I ran outside and was able to locate the plug. I was able to weasel my hands in there to connect the prodigy wire harness.
Thanks for all the help.
I am pissed that the stealership (a parts guy actually came out and looked at the wires) wasn't able or did not want to tell me what was going on.
I ran outside and was able to locate the plug. I was able to weasel my hands in there to connect the prodigy wire harness.
Thanks for all the help.
I am pissed that the stealership (a parts guy actually came out and looked at the wires) wasn't able or did not want to tell me what was going on.
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New User
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Cave Creek, AZ
I don't have my trailer here to test fully but everything looked good when I plugged in the brake controller. I will try to hook up the trailer this weekend to make sure all is OK.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Palm Bay, Florida
Please keep us posted.....Is there any way to find out if your truck came from the factory with the trailer towing package?? if it did then most likely all the fuses are already in place....
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New User
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From: Cave Creek, AZ
I didn't have time to hook up the trailer this weekend as planned so can't confirm that everything is good. The truck did come from the factory with the trailer towing package but it did not have the fuses in place. I bought some and popped them in.
Once I hook up the trailer I will let you know how it goes.
Once I hook up the trailer I will let you know how it goes.