Replacing Factory Brake Controller On 2016 Ford F-350

Question:

I was looking at your Tekonsha brake controller as I was thinking of replacing my factory controller. It seems like just recently my braking is not as good as I was getting previously. I thought maybe the trailer brakes weren’t working correctly as I am a RV full timer but using the breakaway switch I get over 12 A for my double axles and that should be good. I hooked my truck up to the RV and measured the current with the gain set on 10 and I’m just getting under 12 V at 11.89 V. When measuring the amperage going to the brakes it’s just under 12 A also and it should be a minimum of 12 A . When disconnected I get the full 13 V as there is no load from the brake magnets. I was curious as to what the voltage should be at that plug when the brakes are applied, seems to me like it should be the full truck voltage unless there’s some kind of resistor in the brake controller that’s taking some of that voltage before it gets to the brake magnets. Hoping you can help me as I’m going on a trip soon and was wondering if I need to replace my brake controller. Thanks for your input!!

asked by: Peter P

Expert Reply:

In regards to testing an electric trailer brake controller, you should see a full 12 volts at the trailer connector with the manual override and set to maximum. If you don't get 12 volts with the manual override then a replacement is in order. In order to replace the factory trailer brake controller on a 2016 Ford F-350 I recommend using the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90195 with Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers part # 3034-P.

Please note, you will have to have the factory PCM flashed by the dealer to clear any error codes caused by the above.

expert reply by: Conner L