Parts Needed to Add a 7-Way Connector and Trailer Brake Controller to a 2000 Ford Expedition

Question:

I have a 2000 Ford Expedition XLT that has the factory 4-pole connection. My problem is i want to convert it to a 7-blade and use a brake controller. Now in your videos the 7-blade adapter seems easy enough to install. My brick wallinch so to speak comes when i start looking for the trailer brake control plug that should be next to the OBDII port. My truck does not come with one. I have checked around on different forums and it seems that ALL Expeditions are wired for a 7-blade up to the engine bay and then trucks with the Max Tow package get the harness and plug next to the OBDII port. It seems since mine does not come with the Max Tow package all of the wiring stops at the fuse box or somewhere in the wiring harness. When i trace back the wires in the frame i find a plug under the Air Filter box that has a thick blue and red wire and looks identical to the plug in the rear of the truck but i can not see where the rest of the wires go to. My fuse box also seems to have the ability to just plug in the relays and it will work but what can i do?

asked by: Ismael G

Expert Reply:

There are actually a few places the factory connection point can be for a brake controller on your 2000 Ford Expedition. While it should be in the place indicated in the video I have linked, in other Ford vehicles it is found elsewhere:

The harness will be located under the dash near the center console on most vehicles. The harness for the Ford Full Size Van is located underneath and left of the steering column. The harness for the Ford Explorer/Mercury Mountaineer is located behind the vehicle glove box on the Passenger side. There will be a 6-pin connector that mates with the one on the adapter at the end of the harness.

But there is an additional note for the # 3035-P harness that fits your vehicle:

For vehicles with no power to the electric brake control connector: Using an electric brake control wiring kit, route all wires as described in the wiring kit installation instructions. Cut the vehicle connector’s battery feed wire, allowing enough wire remaining to connect the battery wire from the brake control wiring kit using the butt connector supplied. Cut the vehicle connector’s trailer brake wire, allowing enough wire remaining to connect the trailer brake wire from the wiring kit using the
supplied butt connector.

However if you do not have the connector in your vehicle you would not be using # 3035-P or the equivalent from another brand. Instead you would use a kit like # 5506 for 6 to 8 brakes. You would use the wiring included to attach the black wire to the positive battery terminal via the included circuit breaker. White goes to negative battery terminal, red goes to cold side of brake switch, and blue is output to the trailer brakes. Use # 37185 for the 7-Way.

You can use the FAQ I have linked and a video to help with these hardwiring steps.