Brake Force Controller Started Smoking on my 2003 Ford F-150 Pickup with Factory Towing Package

Question

Question:

I installed a brake force controller as my first one went bad. it was instead about a month and I pulled my trailer twice to make sure everything was ok. Then I put my truck in the shop so my mechanic could fix my indicator on my trans, he replaced two bushings and just lowered the panel that the brake controller was bolted to and when he fixed the bushings and raised the panel back up to fasten to the controller it started to smoke so he unplugged it.Today I went out and took the controller off the bracket and plugged it back in and it started to smoke so I just unplugged it.

asked by: Jim

0

Expert Reply:

That's not a good sign if it starting smoking, as it's most likely damaged beyond repair and won't be effective anymore.

If you have your Hopkins Force hard-wired, the 12 volt wire and ground wire could be switched.

It could have been the wiring pigtail plug-in adapter that caused the brake controller to start smoking. I would double-check the wiring (always wire by function, not color) because obviously you don't want that to happen again. I would also inspect the connector under the dash for any internal damage as that could have caused the problem.

Since you may need a new brake controller, I highly recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885 because of its digital display and continuous diagnostics. The wiring adapter is part # 3035-P and it's very easy to install. You plug in one end of adapter into brake controller # 90885 and other end into the built-in harness beneath your 2003 Ford F-150's dash.

I included a few helpful articles and installation video for you too.

expert reply by: Chris B

0

Answer 1

A trailer brake controller should never smoke up like how you described. The first thing you will want to do is determine what caused this, so it doesn't happen again when towing a trailer. The most likely culprit is an internal short on the…

view full answer...

Answer 2

We have actually run into this issue quite a few times in the past, and there is a simple fix. The reason the Curt Echo Wireless #C51180 locks up the brakes on your camper only at low speeds is due to it being paired incorrectly, usually plugging in…

view full answer...

Answer 3

First, you will want to figure out where the problem is occurring. Test the voltage from the brake controller at the vehicle end trailer connector. What you have your brake controller set at is what the voltage should read at the connector. If you…

view full answer...

Answer 4

If your 2008 Chevy Avalanche came with a factory installed 7-Way trailer connector, it will have wiring for the brake controller under the dash. It will not have a port you can plug into, but the wiring will be already ran and you just have to make 4…

view full answer...

Answer 5

I would be happy to help you fix your Curt Echo item #C51180. First you will need to completely unplug the Echo from both trailer and truck, delete the app from your phone, reinstall the app, and then plug the Echo into the vehicle 7-way (by itself)…

view full answer...

Answer 6

There are a number of issues that could be causing the Curt Venturer #C74VV brake controller to lock up your trailer's brakes so you will need to take a number of troubleshooting steps. To test the brake controller, sever the blue wire a couple…

view full answer...

Answer 7

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 9

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

view full answer...

Answer 10

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 11

The first thing you will need for your 1999 D250 is a 4-way. The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C55317 plugs into the connection points behind your rear bumper and will allow you to power your trailer's signal lights. Once the 4-way is…

view full answer...

Answer 12

If you have a vehicle specific wiring harness for a brake controller then that would indicate that you have a factory tow package and subsequently would already have a 7-way at the back of your vehicle. The universal 7-way connector #ETBC7 is meant…

view full answer...