bharbaugh66

I came across a great thread on here while googling how to hook up the wiring for the brake module and 7 pin harness on my 2012 F150 XLT. The information was so good, I thought I would join and get your additional input. I bought my truck used and it does not have the brake controller or tow package. I added a Reese hitch and there was already a 4 pin hooked up on the bumper (my dealer said that was aftermarket). Thanks to all of your help, I think I can find the components at fair prices. A couple of questions I came across though.


1. I am trying to determine if I have harness coming from the front that has 7 wires or 4 wires, which then runs to the hitch. I found two harnesses. One is further towards the cab literally above the tire. It almost looks like it is has a cap on it and nothing is connected to it. I believe there are 7 wires that run to it. It's cold and snowy here right now, so I didn't get a chance to drop the tire yet and really look(no garage available). There is another harness that appears to be where my 4 pin runs to that is at the back of the spare tire (towards the bumper). It only appears to have 4 wires that run to it. I am hoping the 7 wire is the appropriate harness so I can easily add the 4/7 harness and be on my way. Thoughts?


2. I found what appears to be the end of a harness taped under my dash next to the main plugin. I assumed this was the right harness for my brake controller, based off of previous pictures. However, my dealer told me that I didn't have a harness because I didn't have the tow package and it would need to be wired. They didn't actually look it, but came to that conclusion from the VIN number. My question is does that harness hook to my controller or is my dealer right? I don't have the brake controller yet, so I cannot attempt to plug it in. Even if it plugs in, will it be functional?


No pictures at the moment. If it helps, I will get some.


Thanks in advance!!!

bharbaugh66

acadianbob

I had the same situation on a previous 2001 F150. I just bought a 7 pin connector from Ford, pulled off my old 4 pin, plugged in the 7 pin, and it worked. For assembly simplicity, they just send everything back to the rear bumper.

I added a Tekonsha brake controller to my 2005 F150. Just make sure to buy it with a Ford specific pigtail to plug into the plug you found under the dash.

You may have to add some fuses/relays in the fuse box to make trailer brakes and hot charging wire work.

I'm guessing from your post that you don't have a trailer towing package. If so, you don't have a transmission cooler. There are after market options for that. I would recommend one for trailering long distances in hot weather, mountains, etc. You may want to be conservative on the size of trailer.

bharbaugh66

Thanks for your help- I think I have the right parts ready to order from Tasca. I just needed a little reassurance!

I will have to look into the coolers. I typically haul mainly a small single axle/4 pin trailer. We started doing some part time farming though so I will be pulling a 5000 lb tractor on a 2000 lb trailer this summer. I will only have to pull it about 8-10 miles at most and the terrain is fairly flat. Any recommendations on which cooler to look at?

Blackpony

Yes that is the connector for the brake controller. Keep in mind there is an adapter plugged into that connector also, so if it doesnt fit the tbc you get from ford, unplug the adapter and you will be good to go.

bharbaugh66

Any recommendations for a cooler?

bharbaugh66

Thanks! Do you know anything about the fuse and relay? Are those necessary for the install?

acadianbob

You can get those pieces from Ford. I do believe they are necessary for the install. The positions are clearly marked in the fuse box and, I think, in the owners manual.

Sorry, no experience with installing or choosing a transmission cooler. Can you monitor the transmission temperature on your particular F150? If so, get an idea of your normal transmission fluid temperature. Then watch it when you tow. If you are not getting elevated readings that make you nervous, then you are OK with what you are towing. I wouldn't buy a cooler unless you need it.

Blackpony

Yes the fuse and relay will be necesssary to complete the install.

bharbaugh66

Thanks everyone for your help! It sounds like I just need to plugin and get it flashed and I am good to go. I will keep an eye on my transmission temperature in case I need that in the future. If anyone notices anything I missed, please let me know! Thanks!