I have a 2012 FX4, fully loaded with almost every possible option except the trailer brake controller. My truck has the factory hitch and electronics, and I found a small bag that contains the pigtail harness for the controller, but I don't have the controller mounted on my dash. Couldn't I just buy a controller and be good to go?

 

Yes and no. Do you also have the 7 pin trailer connector at the hitch or just the 4 way?
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I have the factory 7 pin/4 pin connector

 

Ok sounds like you have the hardware you need less the controller. You will have to activate the controller once installed, this can be accomplished 2 ways, take the truck to a shop with IDS access or use Forscan and do it your self.

P.S. You also have to install the fuse and relay in the battery junction box under the hood. They should be in the same bag with the harness you mentioned.
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Correct, in the bag with the harness is the relay, fuse and instructions. Those instructions appear for adding and aftermarket controller. One side plugs in the dash harness, the other side is 4 loose wires thay are marked to where they go on the controller. I'd like to use a factory controller, and put it in the cubby to the right of the steering wheel.

 

 

​​​​​​Thanks, I did exactly that with multiple returns with no direct answer to my question, which is why I asked

 

Good You Tube video of installing the controller. Seems like a lot of work, My dealer quoted $100 plus controller (250) for the job and it would be activated.. I thought that was a good price after seeing the work involved, but i'm 70 and if i was 50 again I would do it myself.
I used that video to help me install my own Ham Radio into my 18 f150. Had to run power and antenna wires thru firewall.

 

 

Ya know, why didn't I think of doing that...lol. I just woke up when I posted this thread and didn't have my coffee yet. Apologies everyone, back to watch football now