Installing Brake Controller on 2002 Ford E250 Van without Full Tow Package

Question:

I purchased a universal brake controller adapter harness for installing trailer brakes on my 2002 Ford E250 van. The installation of the harness into the factory plug-in was a breeze. The trouble I am having is locating the correct wires for the trailer brakes on the rear of the vehicle. I followed the 4-wire harness from the bumper back the drivers side frame rail. On the frame, right behind the rear wheel is where the first connector is located. However, there is only 4 wires coming into that connector. Based on watching you video several times, there should be more than 4 wires coming in. What do I do next? ANy help is greatly appreciate.

asked by: Bruce H

Expert Reply:

Because your van was equipped with the 4-way connector and not the 7-way, all of the necessary wiring has not been run back to the trailer connector. The wire for the brake controller output can be found in the main harness in the engine compartment above the brake master cylinder. The correct wire can be difficult to find, you will probably be better off running your own 12 gauge wire for the brake output voltage. Connect this wire to the blue wire on the rear of the controller and run through the firewall and under the vehicle to the trailer connector.

If you need the 12 Volt accessory circuit on the connector enabled, you will have to run a 12 gauge wire from the connector to the positive battery terminal via a 40 amp inline circuit breaker, part # 9510.

expert reply by: Mike L