[JohnVan]

Great JohnVan! Are you planning on converting it to a factory brake control module too? I had a realization the other day and think I have the "level 2" instrument cluster since I have the upgraded sync radio. I may luck out and have the factory look for everything... I am supposed to get everything in by Tuesday - we will see!

Good luck with your install, hope all goes well for you.

I am not planning to convert to factory brake controller. Reason #1 it's more money than an aftermarket, Reason #2 it's more hassle than aftermarket, Reason #3 I don't like where the factory brake slider control is, that will be right in the way of some stuff that we keep between the seats. So, I'll be installing a Hopkins In-Sight controller, the three piece design makes it easy to install with a really clean design. I've got this same controller on my truck, works great, no big ugly box mounted on the dash or knee bolster.
Still waiting on my wiring kit to arrive....

 

[thebestguy02]

Ftrcrussell , hey buddy i was wondering if you where able to get your TCM to work? I have the same problem and adding the p3 as well everything works except the brakes! Lol

Tks

 

[RyanB]

Alright, update #3 (or is it #4 ?):

OEM Brake Controller has been installed with no issues and looks factory. I was able to cut out the slot as I mentioned, but be-careful as the plastic bracket behind the face is very close. If you are not careful you will cut the bracket out too.

Went to the local Ford Dealer and found a very knowledgeable service writer (I think he was the manager actually), that knew exactly what I was after and he gave me a specific example of how the system was not active for 2011 F150s and just had to be flashed. About an hour later they told me it was all done, but I connected in my trailer tester and I could not get any messages displayed on the message center. They took it back and flashed it again and called an engineer who said it was not possible. They did however, turn the module on in the option list in the BCM (he showed me a print out of it). So... trying another route now, I purchased a 72 hour pass to the Motorcraft Service site and found something interesting:

"TBM Message Center Messages
The TBM continually monitors the trailer brake system operation and trailer connectivity. The TBM sends system operation information such as gain setting and relative braking power to the BCM along the HS-CAN. If a system fault or a trailer connectivity issue is detected, the TBM sends a message to the BCM along the HS-CAN. The BCM sends this message to the IPC along the MS-CAN."

It appears (and confirmed by Ford) that everything is functioning, but messages are not transmitting from the BCM (Body Control Module) to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster). I found another section that specifically talks about programming the IPC / BCM and they may require adaptive learning:

NOTE: The BCM and IPC have a unique procedure to set Car Configuration Parameters. Configuration changes made will affect several modules. If the car configuration is changed in the BCM or IPC, an adaptive learning of the car configuration may be required in some modules (such as ABS module or RCM), depending on the changed parameter.

Anyway, from what I have seen to get this correct is not an impossibility. This is a computer/component issue - all the necessary hardware is present, it just has to be programmed correctly.

I will update again if I figure anything out.

 

[RyanB]

Oh! This is fun - push the down button once the display shows "TEST" and it scrolls through a list of tests (Note, you can not edit any values - this is a test function only):

Dealer Test Mode (Except Base IPC)
NOTE: Some of the displays listed in the table use xxx's to represent a numeric or alpha-numeric value. The value can display the same amount of characters represented by the xxx's, or there can be more/less depending on the type of display. For example: Speedo gauge xxx.x mph may display Speedo gauge 22.5 mph. Note that there were 4 x's in the display description but only 3 digits in the actual display.
NOTE: The table lists the displays as they appear when navigating using the down arrow button.
To enter the IPC dealer test mode, begin with the ignition in the OFF mode. Press and hold the LH steering wheel switch OK button. Place the ignition in the ON mode and hold the button until the display indicates Test or Gauge Sweep, usually within 3-5 seconds. Press the up or down arrow buttons to navigate through each of the display windows. To exit the IPC dealer test mode, press and hold the OK button for 3-5 seconds or place the ignition in the OFF mode. Each button press advances the viewing window to the next set of items.

I would be curious to see what your hardware and app values are, mine are:
Hardware CK4T-14C226-BA
Software (App) CK4T-14C026-FB

Have fun.

 

[ftrcrussell]

Ftrcrussell , hey buddy i was wondering if you where able to get your TCM to work? I have the same problem and adding the p3 as well everything works except the brakes! Lol Tks

Yes. I used the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter 3034-P, with modification, to plug into the factory plug in my T250 (which is factory pre-wired with tow package and wiring with no brake controller) under the console. I disconnected the red wire from the plug on the 3034 and spliced to the red wire the feed from the brake light. So the 3034/factory plug connection joins 3 circuits - hot, ground and braking power. The spliced red wire is supplying the brake signal. You can pick up the brake signal from the purple wire at the brake light switch on the brake pedal.

 

[sara44]

Yeah I've read this elsewhere as well. Thanks for sharing. Unfortunately, I bough mine during the month of the switch.

 

[brad1979]

Does anyone have a copy of the installation instructions (SKF4J-15A416-AA ??) for wiring kit FK4Z-15A416-A? I have tried the dealer, parts, service and accessories departments and the google with no luck. The answer from the dealer is that it should be included in the kit and there is no way to get a copy otherwise. The SKF number above doesn't mean anything to anyone at the dealer. It's for my 2017 T250 LR 130". Thanks.

 

[Kevin L.]

I'm ordering and installing my hitch this weekend (a CURT 13193 class 3 for $112 delivered via Amazon), but am trying to sort out the wiring. I've always done the 4-pin converters, but it now looks like I'll need to install a 7-pin and trailer brake controller since I'm planning to get a little travel trailer soon.

What's the latest info/recommendations on cheep, aftermarket options for the 7-pin wiring adapter and a reputable brake controller? (I got discouraged reading this thread, but then realized a lot of the discussion here is about retaining factory features; I could care less about dash light integration or OEM hardware as long as I can get a working solution that I can install myself.) Or am I mistaken? Is OEM is the ONLY option for the 7-pin or brake controller... or both?

 

[joefromga]

Tekonsha makes the best. Cheap is for people who want junk. Don't be cheap. This is an important piece of tech that is responsible for stopping a thousands lb load going down the highway and may save your life and the life of your kids or others'.

Buy cheap coffee and use the leftover money for the brakes.

 

[Kevin L.]

I guess I meant that I didn't want to spend money on OEM if aftermarket would be cheeper. Any specific model of Tekonsha that you guys recommend?
Am I correct in understanding that with an aftermarket controller, I don't need all the Ford wiring harnesses discussed earlier in this thread? Or are those still required? At this point, I'm trying to figure out how much of an investment is required to add 7-pin trailer wiring and a break controller... assuming I don't care about the OEM version.

 

[brad1979]

Tried the dealer accessory installation department, they want me to bring the van in with the wiring kit so they can "see" what I need. Apparently installation instructions have to be visualized. The guy asked if there were 6 pins in the connector, when I asked which connector he said the only connector in the kit. I can see now this is not going to be helpful. I have emailed Ford directly. We will see what happens. I was assuming the kit was plug and play but there are a bunch of ring terminals and crimp connectors, looks like I'm cutting the original harness somewhere.

 

[brittles]

I had asked the service guy at my local Ford dealer to give me a quote on installing a brake controller and 7 pin connector. He never got back to me.

Made an appointment at a local trailer dealer and they charged me $283 which included a Tekonsha Voyager. Was worth the money to me.

 

[Kevin L.]

Made an appointment at a local trailer dealer and they charged me $283 which included a Tekonsha Voyager. Was worth the money to me.

Thank you! That is exactly what I needed to know.

 

[brad1979]

Went to the accessory department with the wiring kit, a mechanic there was able to walk me through it and print out the instructions.

 

[F451]

Went to the accessory department with the wiring kit, a mechanic there was able to walk me through it and print out the instructions.

Hey Brad,

Can you tell me if the instructions you got from the mechanic are the same as the pdf document that I've attached below? Thanks. -Eddie

 

[lolwisper4321]

I installed the Ford tow harness and module the your PDF file describes.
I did not add the Trailer Brake function yet but the kit came with the wiring to do it.
It was real easy to install in my case because the wiring harness that connects the module to the hitch was already installed.
Some early Transits did not have the harness installed.

 

[brad1979]

Eddie, no, the instructions I got are step by step for the accessory trailer tow wiring. They have SKF4J-15A416-AA on the bottom of the page, I think it's about 20 some odd pages long. I will try to scan and post them when I have time sunday or monday. The mechanic there mentioned I may need to have them set up the BCM (?) to recognize the trailer module, he wasn't sure though as he had not worked on a 2017 yet. He also mentioned that the 2017's are impossible to make changes to as far as factory setup parameters, things like resetting speedo for different tire size. Apparently Ford doesn't want the mechanics to be able to change anything. Who knows, maybe once the guys have worked on them for a few months they will figure it out.

 

[brad1979]

See if this works.

 

[F451]

See if this works.

Yes! Downloaded it, exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

 

[lolwisper4321]

Here is the Ford Trailer Hitch Wiring Harness Kit General Bulletin that provides more detail on what Transit production
builds may or may not support Towing options.