Troubleshooting 2017 Ford F-450 Integrated Brake Controller that Only Works with Override Lever

Question:

Is there any type of output visible on the brake controller when you apply the brakes? No - the controller is built into the truck on the 2017. Gain is turned all the way up to 10. When driving down road, apply brakes, no braking on trailer. Ford service dept. says the controller goes through transmission and abs brakes. Still no braking on the trailer. Any ideas?

asked by: Terry T

Expert Reply:

The controller should be proportional in your 2017 Ford truck which means that you'd have to be moving to have the brakes on the trailer lock up with the truck. Is there any type of output visible on the brake controller when you apply the brakes?

expert reply by: Jameson C

Terry T.

9/13/2019

Jameson C.

9/13/2019

Since it sounds like the integrated controller is having issues the best solution we can provide is an aftermarket controller to bypass your factory one. The simplest solution would be the Curt Echo Mobile part # C51180 which will plug into the 7-way you have at the rear of your truck and will once synced to your smart phone is ready to tow. Otherwise you'd have to do a little bit of wiring and make a trip to the Ford dealer to install a standard style brake controller like the Prodigy P2 part # 90885. The Ford factory brake controller that is in the dash does not have to be removed. You will need to unplug the connector under the dash and plug in the # 22292 adapter for the Prodigy P2 brake controller to the factory brake controller plug behind the dash. The vehicle will need the computer flashed so it will keep from searching for the connection to the OEM brake controller in the future, eliminating any fault codes. This will usually have to be done at the Ford Dealer.