Ford F350 brake controller problems

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Mar 22, 2010 | 10:07 AM

RussF350

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Ford F350 brake controller problems

Hey guys, new to the forum and new to a ford truck (I grew up with fords though). I recently purchased a 2010 F350 quad can 4x4 and am currently trying to install a brake controller (it did not come with the factory controller). The wiring harness was not in the truck so I went back to the dealer to get one. After my salesman opened about 10 brand new super duties looking for a harness he gave up and found on in a F150, assuring me it was the same. I took the harness and proceeded to install my reese brake controller. The F150 harness came with a fuse and a relay which I could not find a spot for in my 350 fuse box. I did some research and found some videos on you tube and apparently you don't need these for the super duty. Thinking I was done I went to start the truck and take her for a spin, NOTHING. Truck would not start and the message display read "check brake system" I unplugged the harness and the truck started. What is happening here? Is the 150 harness really the same as the super duty? Any help would be much appreciated.

Mar 22, 2010 | 10:14 AM

senix

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From: Frederick, MD

I don't believe it is. I would go see your parts guy...www.partsguyed.com and see what he can come up with for you. It should have been in there. Once you have the right part # then make them get you one.

Mar 22, 2010 | 12:44 PM

TennesseeMustangPerf

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First off, I would highly advise not putting a fuse in the system. If the fuse blows, you will lose your trailer brakes. Instead, get a 20A or 30A auto resetting breaker.
No, the F-150 harness is different, I believe. But you are spending too much money and time as it is. Go to ETrailer.com. They have a wiring kit for you that takes a little time to run, but will be correct for your application.

Mar 22, 2010 | 12:50 PM

RussF350

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Thanks for the replies, no way I am going anywhere but the dealer for this harness though. I spent 35k on a truck and all I want is the correct harness (which should have been in the glove box to begin with) for the truck. I have already ordered the harness through my dealer and will be there tomorrow to pick it up, and also give my sales guy a piece of my mind. Gonna see if I can get some mud flaps for my troubles.

Mar 22, 2010 | 12:51 PM

TennesseeMustangPerf

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Here are a few links you might want to check into.

Brake Controller Brake Control Wiring Kit | etrailer.com

Wiring Trailer Connectors | etrailer.com

Mar 22, 2010 | 12:57 PM

99powerstrokedF250

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It sounds like your truck didn't have the trailering kit installed on it when you bought it (Ford offers a built-in brake controller in the F250-450 SD's). The salesman you spoke with should have taken you to the service department to find out what you needed, then gone to the parts department to get it or order it.

That said, There's no problem in going aftermarket to get a good, proven wiring harness that will fit and work properly with your truck. It will not void your warranty provided it is installed correctly.

Mar 22, 2010 | 01:03 PM

mikesmayhem

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From: Stacy, MN

You should be able to just plug in the factory harness. I know when I did mine the wiring was by the radio and I just needed to use the factory harness that was in the glove box. Mine was an '01 that I bought a few years ago that the original owner never hooked up for a controller. You shouldn't need to run a whole new wire to the panel..??