[ReddyFire]

Hello all,

I have spent over 8 hours reading through the various threads on this forum and elsewhere online and have come to an impasse attempting to add OEM trailer brakes to my 2017 Transit 250 High Roof that did not come with anything on it. I have a level 1 cluster (trip, odo, miles left, two-color).

I have bought a harness kit that ran back from the tow bar to the front of rig, hooked up the box in the wheel well (trailer brake module ?), installed a 4 wire harness (blue wire to under the van blue wire, white to A-pillar ground, green to pin 68 and red straight to the battery). Installed a new ground wire from the 4 wire connector on the trailer brake module to the negative of the battery, I have went into Forscan and activated trailer brake and set it to 13 pos.

What works: All the lights on my trailer work as they should (brakes, hazards, left, right, running lamps). I don't have a backup light on the trailer so can't test that.

What does not work: Trailer brakes.

I am attempting to use a 2008-2010 F250 super duty trailer brake controller with this setup, similar to what someone else tried but then gave up on (i am stubborn lol). I am convinced that even if i had the correct brake controller it would not work because i think i am missing some wires in my harness.
My harness came with two pieces that connect into each other with the C2142 connector. Each side of the harness only had 4 wires and were labeled as below:

• Blue (Brakes) - To Trailer Brakes
• Red (Power) - Power from battery
• Green (Com cable/can bus?) - Purple Stop Lamp
• White (Ground) - Black/Blue Ground

The trailer brake controller connector that would plugin to a 2008-2010 F250 has the following pin out:
2 - Canbus High speed High
3 - Canbus High speed Low
4 - CTRL MOD sensor pressure brake fluid
5 - Sensor pressure brake fluid
6 - CTRL MOD sensor pressure brake fluid
8 - Fuse 5 or circuit breaker (which in the fuse box is Trailer Brake Controller at 30 amps)
10 - Relay - Stop Lamp
11 - Ground
12 - Fuse 33 or circuit breaker (which in the fuse box is Backup Lamp Relay at 20 amps)
14 - CTRL MOD Trailer Tow Brakes

The trailer brake controller connector that would plugin to a 2017 Transit 250 has the following pin out:
2 - Canbus High Speed High
3 - Canbus High Speed Low
8 - Fuse 9 or circuit breaker (which in the fuse box is Trailer Brake Module fuse at 30 amps)
11 - Ground
12 - Fuse 31 or circuit breaker (which in the fuse box is Trailer Brake Ignition Feed fuse at 10 amps)
14 - CTRL MOD Trailer Tow Brakes
(rest of pins all say unused)

I tried matching power, ground, brakes and canbus low pins from one side to the other with no luck.

Question for this thread is:

What wires am i missing and where should i pull them from to plug into the Trailer Brake Controller ?
Have i mis-wired something ?

This being my first post i doubt ill be able to post link or photos so i made a google photos album that anyone can see at the following link: photos.app.goo.gl/QwDsdPW4KGSVh3T37

 

[ReddyFire]

* SOLVED *

I gave up trying to get the 2010 F250 brake controller work on my 17 transit 250. Got the correct brake controller and got it working. The dash display does not show gain adjustments however all the functions work as expected and were tested with a trailer. I couldn't test trailer back up lights (none of my trailers have a white backup light on them). I summarized everything for future owners that want to get an OEM brake controller working in a Ford Transit in a video YTube.

2017 T250 OEM Brake controller install

 

[avanwithaplan]

Hi, I have a 2022 Transit and I'm trying to figure out how to add a tow hitch and wiring as close to OEM as possible. My local dealer said they don't install hitches and sent me off to a local aftermarket shop. I'm willing to do the install myself if that's what it takes to get OEM parts. I'm thinking of ordering this harness (15A416) and this hitch (19D520) but I can't confirm whether they will work.

I understand that at least pre-2015, a lot of wiring is missing from the factory unless you order certain options... was that changed after 2015?

Can be Dealer Installed only if connectors C431 and C495 exist *
* Vehicles built prior to 1/28/15 may not have connectors C431 and C495. These are the connections for the TRM jumper and the 4-Pin/7-Pin trailer connector jumper. The absence of these connectors indicates the vehicle’s wire harness does not have the required lighting circuits between the TRM jumper and the 4-Pin/7-Pin trailer connector jumper. See figures on the following page.

I really don't want to order the parts and then find out I don't have the right connectors to plug it all in.

Thanks!

 

[ReddyFire]

Did you watch my YouTube video ? Most the wires i added and there really wasn't anything in the van already.

 

[SnoDrtRider]

Hi, I have a 2022 Transit and I'm trying to figure out how to add a tow hitch and wiring as close to OEM as possible. My local dealer said they don't install hitches and sent me off to a local aftermarket shop. I'm willing to do the install myself if that's what it takes to get OEM parts. I'm thinking of ordering this harness (15A416) and this hitch (19D520) but I can't confirm whether they will work.

I understand that at least pre-2015, a lot of wiring is missing from the factory unless you order certain options... was that changed after 2015?

Can be Dealer Installed only if connectors C431 and C495 exist *
* Vehicles built prior to 1/28/15 may not have connectors C431 and C495. These are the connections for the TRM jumper and the 4-Pin/7-Pin trailer connector jumper. The absence of these connectors indicates the vehicle’s wire harness does not have the required lighting circuits between the TRM jumper and the 4-Pin/7-Pin trailer connector jumper. See figures on the following page.

I really don't want to order the parts and then find out I don't have the right connectors to plug it all in.

Thanks!

Good Luck!
I ordered and waited weeks for an OEM Factory
"Trailer Electrics Kit" after no change of order status for weeks I contacted the dealer I ordered from and they checked with Ford and were told that none were available and could not give a date of availability.
If you are going to wait for ford trailer equipment whether a hitch or electrical components you will have a long. long wait!
I purchased a Curt Class IV hitch from E Trailer.com and installed that while I was waiting for the Ford electrical kit.
I ended up buying the Teckonsia (sp) 4 way kit from E Trailer and added my own wiring to have a 7 way connector.
I have a 148 EXT and had problems with steep driveways using the CURT Hitch so I just today installed a Transit Off Road HD bumper with integrated 2" receiver to gain my ground clearance back...

 

[Michael Ophus]

This link from ford is still accurate and it explains what may be missing in the way of wiring under the van.

https://madocumentupload.marketingassociates.com/api/Document/GetFile?v1=4308913&v2=053118090637&v3=60&v4=c5b9faf88eda4a7d29198ca3f1dae7b327cf943db85fb3adf79dc73f&v5=False

 

[brianhayes]

This is a 'master thread' for the hitch and harnesses and a salute to the generosity of forum members. I think it's wise to add this video clip on "How to get basic 4 pin trailer lights working" — one of the best I've seen that explains details, chassis harness parts, the controller fire hazard in the driver-side footwell and its 2015 to 2017 safety recall found in this thread, 17s34 - trailer module fuse and footwell drainage hole and a minute or two on how to separate devilish connectors. It's a good refresh for experienced builders too. But at 7 minutes he stopped at the cupholder's Trailer Brake Control Module.

 

[Mikelle]

I did my e-rltrailer hitch and harness yesterday and am very glad I did not agonize over the pre installed wiring in my 2023 250. I did do a little hand wringing after seeing the pre installed harness and thanks to this thread just did the “easy” thing. Thanks to e-trailer and this forum.

 

[apexservices85]

Just an update. Hitch was plug and play. Only part of the harness they needed to use was the back section that incudes the 7pin/4pin connector. Haven't tried to wire up a brake controller yet. But, got my hands on a Curt Echo Bluetooth brake controller that you control from a phone. When you plug in into the hitch - the dash displays a few trailer options/profiles you can select. I haven't dug into them yet. Is this a new 2021 feature? This is completely separate from the "tow/haul" mode button. I know they took the factory brake controller option off the newer Transits. Is it perhaps now built into these dash settings when it detects a trailer plugged in??

So I found the same connector under my 2024 Ford transit plugged it in yesterday and hooked it up to my trailer and did not work wondering if it was because I did not have the ground hooked up yet? Any help would be appreciated

 

[apexservices85]

So I found the same connector under my 2024 Ford transit plugged it in yesterday and hooked it up to my trailer and did not work wondering if it was because I did not have the ground hooked up yet? Any help would be appreciated

Too add i don't need brake control just lights have same connector by spare tire and bought same connector in ur floor pic but when hooked it in no lights operated

 

[apexservices85]

I did my e-rltrailer hitch and harness yesterday and am very glad I did not agonize over the pre installed wiring in my 2023 250. I did do a little hand wringing after seeing the pre installed harness and thanks to this thread just did the “easy” thing. Thanks to e-trailer and this forum.

So how did you do it? I found a plug near my spare tire that fit the kit I bought on Amazon but when I plug it in nothing happens it's a 2024 transit looking for any pointers I just need to be able to run a regular trailer plug

 

[SnoDrtRider]

So how did you do it? I found a plug near my spare tire that fit the kit I bought on Amazon but when I plug it in nothing happens it's a 2024 transit looking for any pointers I just need to be able to run a regular trailer plug

In order to use the OEM wiring you need the Ford "Trailer Control Module" which mounts in the Driver side footwell and is covered by the plastic well liner.
Unless you ordered the Tow Package this will likely not be there.
If you follow the harness that you connected to you will likely find that it ends in front of the fuel tank before it gets to the underside of the footwell...
If you order the kit from Ford it includes the Module, Harness connectors and the brake controller.

When I was trying to order the parts a few years ago everything was backordered so I just got a trailer light connector kit from Tekonsia from E-trailer.com this kit has a module to isolate the trailer from the vans lighting circuit because if you just connect the trailer lighting to the van directly it may not like it due to all the electronics on the van. You will need to run a power wire to power the module in the kit... I chose to wire mine direct to the battery to keep it isolated from the van's electrical system as much as possible.
If you only need a 4 pin connector that is all you need.
I have a trailer with brakes so I needed a 7 way connector and wires run for power and the trailer brake controller so I ran a 7 wire cable to the front of the van as well.

https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/Ford/Transit+T250/2022/118643.html?VehicleID=202228580

 

[Mikelle]

So how did you do it? I found a plug near my spare tire that fit the kit I bought on Amazon but when I plug it in nothing happens it's a 2024 transit looking for any pointers I just need to be able to run a regular trailer plug

I ordered the trailer wire harness from etrailer that is set up for no factory wiring. They have a decent how to video. The instructions that came with the harness indicates the wiring go to the engine compartment but the video shows it going to the battery which is under the driver’s seat. I did the whole controller route.

 

[2024TransitVan350]

So I found the same connector under my 2024 Ford transit plugged it in yesterday and hooked it up to my trailer and did not work wondering if it was because I did not have the ground hooked up yet? Any help would be appreciated

I have a 2024 High roof extended that came with an OEM trailer hitch.
All I need is tail lights for a small box trailer.
I have the six pin plug to (near the driver's axle) and an adapter cable to a weird round ford connector CK4T-13B57E

https://www.ford.com/product/trailer-hitch-wiring-harness-47-pin-p2757344764

This fits a 2024.
I only have the adapter cable not the adapter that plugs into it. Saw this on Amazon but the year is wrong.

Amazon.com

Multi-Tow® Exact Fit OE replacement 7 Blade and 4 Flat Connector w/ bracket and they have a wiring manual.
From what I have read its not the correct cable for a 2024.
This adapter will plug into the cable I have but again without a brake controller will I do damage ?

Amazon.com: Hopkins Towing Solutions 40975 Multi-Tow Exact Fit OE replacement 7 Blade and 4 Flat Connector w/ bracket, Compatible with Selected Year Models (Please Verify VEHICLE APPLICATION) : Automotive

Buy Hopkins Towing Solutions 40975 Multi-Tow Exact Fit OE replacement 7 Blade and 4 Flat Connector w/ bracket, Compatible with Selected Year Models (Please Verify VEHICLE APPLICATION): Wiring - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Not sure how to correctly wire this. Directly wiring will set off codes from what I have read. Still researching.
I do not need a brake controller for my application or do I anyway ?
any help you can provide would be much appreciated.

 

[SnoDrtRider]

I have a 2024 High roof extended that came with an OEM trailer hitch.
All I need is tail lights for a small box trailer.
I have the six pin plug to (near the driver's axle) and an adapter cable to a weird round ford connector CK4T-13B57E

https://www.ford.com/product/trailer-hitch-wiring-harness-47-pin-p2757344764

This fits a 2024.
I only have the adapter cable not the adapter that plugs into it. Saw this on Amazon but the year is wrong.

Amazon.com

Multi-Tow® Exact Fit OE replacement 7 Blade and 4 Flat Connector w/ bracket and they have a wiring manual.
From what I have read its not the correct cable for a 2024.
This adapter will plug into the cable I have but again without a brake controller will I do damage ?

Amazon.com: Hopkins Towing Solutions 40975 Multi-Tow Exact Fit OE replacement 7 Blade and 4 Flat Connector w/ bracket, Compatible with Selected Year Models (Please Verify VEHICLE APPLICATION) : Automotive

Buy Hopkins Towing Solutions 40975 Multi-Tow Exact Fit OE replacement 7 Blade and 4 Flat Connector w/ bracket, Compatible with Selected Year Models (Please Verify VEHICLE APPLICATION): Wiring - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Not sure how to correctly wire this. Directly wiring will set off codes from what I have read. Still researching.
I do not need a brake controller for my application or do I anyway ?
any help you can provide would be much appreciated.

The OEM trailer connector is one of those fancy ones that allows both 7 & 4 trailers to connect.

 

[gggGary]

2021 350HD cutaway/motorhome chassis no upfitter switches, small console. dead headed connector just left of glove box door was the location of hte blue wire from the 7 pin trailer connector.

Used spade connectors to attach red yellow (always live) to black from controller and blue (goes to 7 pin trailer connector) to blue. took red over to purple white on brake switch and white to a frame ground, Done. You do NOT need to remove the leftmost under dash panel. Panel under steering wheel "just" pulls off. For the others start at the passenger door cup holders and go left. grrr.

Thinking on using thinner wires and a smaller 4 pin connector so the controller is less of a pain but can quickly remove and hide the pig tail when it's not needed.