2002 Ford Expedition Brake Controller Wiring Port

Question

Question:

I have poured over and over Q and A’s here and still not having any luck so I thought I would present my question even though I know you guys have answered it hundreds of times. I have a 2002 Ford Expedition XLT that I want to install a brake controller on. It does not have a 7 blade on the back, but does have a 4 blade. I have looked at the wiring at the back, and at the large connector, it has all of the 6 wires running into it, the blue, orange, etc. on the back side of the connector going to the 4 blade it has less. Checked the fuse panel under the hood, and there are fuses present for most everything dealing with towing. There was one fuse not there and doesn’t have a wire in the slot for it to be used, and it’s labels for back up lamps on trailer. The 2 relays are not installed, but there is wiring in the spaces to just install the relay. All good so far huh? Now the problem! I cannot for the life of me, find that nasty little factory port for a brake controller. I have taken the dash panels off the front, and opened the glove box, pulled panel from around radio and still cannot find a port that nothing is plugged into. It’s not on the OBD bracket like it’s supposed to be either. I cannot find information, but do we know if some Expeditions were not factory wired with this port? Hard to believe that it wouldn’t have the port when it has wiring to the back and fuses in place other than the relays. I found 1 grey plug that is flat and only has a place for 4 wires but it’s blank. It has no wires to it, just a dummy. It was located up high and to the left of the steering column, but according to everything I have seen or read, the plug should be grey, square, and have 6 wires to it. Any help or guidance you could offer is greatly appreciated.

asked by: Donnie S

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I understand how frustrating it can be looking for a small plug under the dash and I am more than happy to provide some guidance on installing a brake controller in your 2002 Ford Expedition. From the information you provided me with there is a few different options to get a brake controller installed. Checking all the wiring, and fuse connections is a great start.

The brake controller plug could be in a few different places under the dash. Typically it is on the right side, near the accelerator pedal under the dash. Sometimes it can be on the passenger side or behind the glove box. It is a 6 pin plug that is gray, it can be hidden pretty well and possibly taped to other wires.

It is possible that there is not a port because it came with a 4 pole connector. I have seen in other applications where the manufacturer has the same wiring harness for vehicles with and without the tow package but it's not fully active (missing fuses, or not connected from front to back). However I have not run across an Expedition that has trailer wiring that doesn't have the brake controller port.

With that being said I recommend that you test the wires at the plug before the 4 pole connector with LCD Digital Circuit Tester # PTW2992. You should have your lighting functions, 12 volt power, and a brake output signal. Keep in mind those signals will not work unless the relays and fuses are in the fuse box (the back up lamp fuse is not needed unless you wire reverse lights on your trailer). Having an extra set of hands will help so they can push on the brake pedal while you are testing the brake output wire.

If all the signals are there then you can cut the connector off, and wire in 7-Pole and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Sockets w/ Mounting Bracket and Wiring # HM40975-11998. This gives you a working 7 way and 4 pole at the back of your Expedition. Then finding the port for the brake controller under the dash and mounting the brake controller is all that's left.

If all you are getting is the light functions and not any brake or power signals then I recommend starting at the back and running the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7. This will convert your factory 4 pole to a 7 way and comes with all the wires and connectors to get it installed. This route requires running wires from the 7 way to the brake controller and installing a couple breakers to power everything up.

I recommend Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller # TK90160 and the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter # 3035-P. It's been a very popular brake controller for good reason; it's very easy to use and it's a proportional brake controller opposed to a time delayed style.

I linked the parts mentioned along with some help articles with a ton of information for you to check out. Let me know if you need any more guidance with your Expedition.