[Joeyags21]

Hello, my name is Joe, I have a 2015 transit 250 with the factory tow package. I recently ordered a tekonsha brake controller that came with a plug to go directly to factory wiring, however I can't seem to locate the factory harness to plug into. Any help worth this would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Airedrifter]

If you have the factory tow package, you don't need the tekonsha.

 

[Damaskinos_of_Athens]

.
Why is that?

If he does not have the factory installed brake controller would this unit not compensate for the deficiency?

.

 

[Airedrifter]

The reason is that, as far as I know, the tow package always includes the brake controler.

But, if his doesnt, of course the added controler would work.

 

[Budsky]

The reason is that, as far as I know, the tow package always includes the brake controler.

No- it does not. In fact the tow package alone never includes the factory brake controller.
The brake controller is a separate line item option- somewhere over $200.

To answer the OP's question- mine has the tow package which includes the trailer wiring option but it did not have the pigtail under the dash either.
It was a major PITA to work around that and finish the wiring.

 

[Damaskinos_of_Athens]

.
Ford should probably include the controller in the tow "package".
.

 

[Airedrifter]

I'm sorry, I didn't know that. Without a hookup under the dash, it would be a pain.

 

[mike103]

I have a XLT wagon with the tow package and the brake controller which is a separate item as mentioned. I would be surprised if the trailer tow package did not include the pigtail. My previous E150 did, it had three wires one fused feed wire (black) one to go to the trailer plug and one from the brake pedal switch which activates the after market controller. There is a removable panel under the steering column (just pull it off) it may be behind there. There is a fuse box back there, compare the fuses to your owners manual to see if the brake fuses are there.

 

[Joeyags21]

Thanks

Thank you for the responses, I DO have the tow package, i DO NOT have factory brake controller. This is really starting to piss me off, tekonsha makes a pigtail for this application which would leave me to believe that there is a factory pigtail somewhere in there. i have looked diligently under the dash and there is nothing even close to resembling the hook up that i need. i will continue to research this and let everyone know what i find.

thanks again!

 

[mike103]

try www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/2015/2015_Transit_BEMM

 

[Budsky]

Thank you for the responses, I DO have the tow package, i DO NOT have factory brake controller. This is really starting to piss me off, tekonsha makes a pigtail for this application which would leave me to believe that there is a factory pigtail somewhere in there. i have looked diligently under the dash and there is nothing even close to resembling the hook up that i need. i will continue to research this and let everyone know what i find.

thanks again!

Yeah I too ordered the Tekonsha pigtail before looking, and like you discovered the Ford portion isn't there.
To be honest the wire they ran for brake and especially the battery charge is also too small.
Would have been easier and quicker to just do it myself with all the time I spent figuring out what they had.

 

[mike103]

I saw a video on You Tube of a guy that had an F150 with a trailer tow package but no brake controller. He bought a Ford controller from a dealer pulled out the coin holder and the cable and plug were there. I'm wondering if you pull out the coin holder on your Transit will the wires you are looking for be there. Check out the video.

 

[Joeyags21]

Solution

all though not a good one i have found a solution to this issue. took the truck to my mechanic to see if he would have better luck either finding the factory pigtail or just hard wiring the unit. after man calls and hours on the phone with ford we were told that there is no factory pigtail in my van because this one has 'the partial tow package" (straight from ford) thats funny because i paid for the tow package and was never told anything about a "partial package" otherwise would have paid for the "full" package. needless to say my mechanic had to hard wire the unit which also took a few phone calls to ford because the wires from the 7 blade plug on the back of the truck were run into the engine compartment and thats it. they were dead ended and not connected to anything in the engine compartment and never enter the cabin. Job is done now and working great, thank god i have a good honest mechanic who only charged me 1 hour labor event though he was at it for half a day. Hopefully these findings can help others that may run into this ford fail!

 

[wgc]

This what I pulled out of the new BEMM ( new thread today) page 24. Hope it helps.
1.12 Towing




If planning to retrofit a Tow Hitch to extended


wheel base vans and wagons, ensure Trailer Wiring


Prep Pack (order code 59B) is ordered on the


vehicle.




NOTE: Wiring Prep Pack (59B) only guarntees






support for trailer lighting.




NOTE: If trailer brake functionality is required order






Trailer Brake Controller (67D). Heavy Duty Trailer


Tow (53B) provides connector in instrument panel


for add on trailer brake controller.




NOTE: See Trailer Brake Controller (67D) for






requirements necessary for addition of trailer


lighting capability on capable vehicles.




NOTE: There is no wiring provisions for Trailer Tow






operations provided on the base vehicle.


For additional details regarding coponents


necessary for the addition of trailer lighting


capability on capable vehicles




Refer to: 4.1 Wiring Installation and Routing Guides


(page 52).






Electrics for Tow Bar section.




NOTE: Tow Haul Mode is only available when






ordering Trailer Tow packages 59B or 53B


For availability please contact your local Ford


Dealer.




Date of

 

[Budsky]

needless to say my mechanic had to hard wire the unit which also took a few phone calls to ford because the wires from the 7 blade plug on the back of the truck were run into the engine compartment and thats it. they were dead ended and not connected to anything in the engine compartment and never enter the cabin.

BTDT.

See this post- http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/towing/15130-trailer-sway-control.html#post189666

Went through the same thing about it not being a complete tow package
Someone at Ford needs to be drawn and quartered...

 

[Damaskinos_of_Athens]

.
And the dealers ordering lot vans should always include the tow package with brake controller - because even if you have no plans to tow, that could change and so many other people tow that that minor inexpensive option will affect resale value.
.

 

[tcsweep]

Good honest mechanic

all though not a good one i have found a solution to this issue. took the truck to my mechanic to see if he would have better luck either finding the factory pigtail or just hard wiring the unit. after man calls and hours on the phone with ford we were told that there is no factory pigtail in my van because this one has 'the partial tow package" (straight from ford) thats funny because i paid for the tow package and was never told anything about a "partial package" otherwise would have paid for the "full" package. needless to say my mechanic had to hard wire the unit which also took a few phone calls to ford because the wires from the 7 blade plug on the back of the truck were run into the engine compartment and thats it. they were dead ended and not connected to anything in the engine compartment and never enter the cabin. Job is done now and working great, thank god i have a good honest mechanic who only charged me 1 hour labor event though he was at it for half a day. Hopefully these findings can help others that may run into this ford fail!

I also have a good honest mechanic, and have found he likes to be remembered at Christmas. A gift certificate for him and his family to go out to eat somewhere has always made him glad to see me come through the door again instead of saying #&@! not this guy again.