Replacing Tow Command controller with aftermarket controller.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 24
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There are guys who spend $600 getting the Ford IBC installed, and think it's worth it. My advice is to repair your Ford with Ford parts. And I'm not even completely convinced you actually have a bad controller. I've seen them misdiagnosed a few times by those who don't understand how it is supposed to work. Especially on the early '05's, the first year it was available.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,399
Likes: 318
From: Whittier, CA
I'm just saying that most guys testing these with a VOM at the rear plug are going to misdiagnose the problem.
If you are not interested in getting the OEM unit to work, then just ignore this and follow your plan with an aftermarket unit.
If you are interested in diagnosing it, then I suggest you hitch up, find a safe area to get the rig up to at least 35 mph, and try the manual brake levers. If you still get no brakes, then I will agree the unit is not working at all.
If you are not interested in getting the OEM unit to work, then just ignore this and follow your plan with an aftermarket unit.
If you are interested in diagnosing it, then I suggest you hitch up, find a safe area to get the rig up to at least 35 mph, and try the manual brake levers. If you still get no brakes, then I will agree the unit is not working at all.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,752
Likes: 5
From: Stillwater, OK
The TBC will have no effect on the lights.
This is just a shot in the dark, but have you checked the plug at the master cylinder to make sure it's still connected?
Did you ever have any work done that involved changing the PCM settings? Maybe your ITBC prameter got turned off?
This is just a shot in the dark, but have you checked the plug at the master cylinder to make sure it's still connected?
Did you ever have any work done that involved changing the PCM settings? Maybe your ITBC prameter got turned off?
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
I'm just saying that most guys testing these with a VOM at the rear plug are going to misdiagnose the problem.
If you are not interested in getting the OEM unit to work, then just ignore this and follow your plan with an aftermarket unit.
If you are interested in diagnosing it, then I suggest you hitch up, find a safe area to get the rig up to at least 35 mph, and try the manual brake levers. If you still get no brakes, then I will agree the unit is not working at all.
If you are not interested in getting the OEM unit to work, then just ignore this and follow your plan with an aftermarket unit.
If you are interested in diagnosing it, then I suggest you hitch up, find a safe area to get the rig up to at least 35 mph, and try the manual brake levers. If you still get no brakes, then I will agree the unit is not working at all.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,181
Likes: 3
From: Eastern CT.
Did it ever work for you ??? You have checked for bad fuse's and relay's,,,made sure the controller is pluged into the harness in the dash,,,if you say it is completley dead,,Got to be one of these,,,or it is FUBAR !
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,399
Likes: 318
From: Whittier, CA
Trust me, I appreciate all of the info on here, that is why I posted my question. Yes, I have tried the manual brake lever many, many times, and it does absolutley nothing. The face on the controller is completely dead as well, with no lights, gain settings or anything. It is completely dead.
Well, I concede that that does sound like a dead controller. All I can add is that I have owned and used both Tekonsha and Ford IBC. If I had to choose between a $100 aftermarket controller and a $300 Ford controller, I would choose to repair the Ford every time.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
I just towed my second long trip (500 Miles) with my F250 (with tow command) and after locking up the brakes and rapidly changing lanes (avoiding a rolling diamond men at work sign) in a nasty thunderstorm I can without a doubt say I wont tow with out it. I am confident that my F150 and trailer with a prodigy would be sitting in a tow yard somewhere in Virginia.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 128
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas, Nevada
We have been retrofitting the Ford unit on our new Fords that have come without them even tho we have to change out for a different brake mastercyllinder for the system to work and reprogram the system
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Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,399
Likes: 318
From: Whittier, CA
I generally say nothing is impossible, but this would be pretty close. I've not heard of anyone who did it.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 784
Likes: 1
From: White Rock BC Canaduh
acertm,
Probably a tricky project to get the Ford controller setup.
The Tekonsha P3 is a good product. I would go that route before attempting a retro fit.
Rick...
Probably a tricky project to get the Ford controller setup.
The Tekonsha P3 is a good product. I would go that route before attempting a retro fit.
Rick...
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,752
Likes: 5
From: Stillwater, OK
first off, you would have to trade out your entire PCM for an 05 or later so your vehicle would even recognize that it was capable of having a brake controller...
if the TowCommand controller is a must, it would be easier and cheaper to find a used truck with one...
if the TowCommand controller is a must, it would be easier and cheaper to find a used truck with one...
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