Troubleshooting Trailer Brake Controller Warning on Factory ITBC of 2006 Ford F-350

Question:

Started with every time I stepped on the brake, weather with or without a trailer attached, I got a alert tone and a check trailer msg. Changed brake pedal switch, trailer connector at the back, and finally purchased a new control module. Nothing changed. Same problem. Any suggestions will be appreciated. I don’t want to go to an after market different system if can help it. I keep thinking it’s wire or fuse or something along those lines. HELP

asked by: Robert

Expert Reply:

I can sympathize with your desire to keep the factory system in tact if possible, and it sounds like you've done quite a bit of work already. I do recommend checking the fuses under the steering wheel, which should be where the fuses for the factory brake controller are located. You'll want to check the owners manual or the back of the fuse box cover for a diagram of the fuse layout and check all of the fuses associated with the factory trailer brake.

Obviously if the fuses are in good working shape, considering the numerous issues that are commonplace with the IFTBC system on these mid 2000s Ford Super Duty trucks, your best bet is likely going to be replacing it with an aftermarket option. I recommend using the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 because of the proportional braking and the easy to read LCD screen. You can use the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford # 3065-P to give you a plug and play installation of this controller, so it's very convenient to replace the factory system.

Once the OE controller is unplugged and the Prodigy P3 is installed, there will probably be an error code still shown on the message center on the dash. Your Ford dealer can remove the code very easily.

expert reply by: Erik B