brake controller
Ford/Mazda Parts guy
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 937
Likes: 7
From: USA
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
2009 F150 Integrated brake controller
On my truck...when 1st installed before the truck computer was activated, when the ignition was 1st turned on, the controller would lite up for a few seconds then go dark and not respond to any activity. After the dealer turned it on (he didn't find the switch where he thought it would be-as best as I can remember they said it was located in personalities or something like that) it lights up, shows a little trailer hooked up when the trailer is attached but they didn't say anything about errors, just when he found the right place to click, 2seconds the controller was active ???
Appears a few trucks with plug are not wired for integrated controller?
djquik1
2009 F-150 - RETRO-FIT FACTORY TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER - VEHICLE EXCEPTIONS/REQUIREMENTS
2009 F-150 CUSTOMERS ELECTING TO INSTALL FACTORY TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER (TBC) ON VEHICLES NOT ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTION. MOST 2009 F-150 VEHICLES WITH FACTORY TRAILER TOW PACKAGE, EVIDENT BY FACTORY INSTALLED 7-PIN TRAILER TOW CONNECTOR, WILL SUPPORT THE INSTALLATION OF FACTORY TBC. THE EXCEPTION BEING 4X2 VEHICLES BUILT AFTER 12/1/2008, WITH 4.6L 2V ENGINE, LESS FOGLAMPS. THESE VEHICLES ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH REQUIRED CIRCUITS TO ENABLE RETROFIT OF FACTORY TBC. FOR ELIGIBLE VEHICLES, THE TBC CONNECTOR (C2142) IS ATTACHED TO BACKSIDE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL COIN BIN/TRAY. FOLLOW INSTALLATION AND PROGRAMMABLE PARAMETERS INSTRUCTION IN WORKSHOP MANUAL SECTION 206-10. NOTE: THIS IS NOT A WARRANTABLE MODIFICATION. CLAIMS RELATED TO THIS MODIFICATION ARE SUBJECT TO WARRANTY CHARGEBACK.
Last edited by kcnomad; Jun 12, 2009 at 09:11 AM. Reason: appears a few truck with plugs are not wired for controller ?
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Escondido, CA
2009 Integrated Trailer Break Controller
The Geweke (**** - Give-a-key) Ford dealership in Lodi, CA now knows about the Trailer Brake Controller "wake up call." - settings for the Trailer Break activation or "programming" as mentioned in the Workshop Manual Section 206-10 from within the Service Bul # 20706. The unit can be purchased through the parts department for F-150 XL with the Trailer Tow Package Class IV # 535 which is on the V8 3V motor. The unit is easy to install and you can see a video on etrailer.com showing how to access the wire harness connected to the delete-able cup including the easy removal of the dash panel. Also, instructions should be included with the wire harness supplied at purchase for the installation of an aftermarket unit to install integrated unit - the fuse and relay with it are for powering trailer battery from Truck. There are only two skrews and two wires to disconnect (one for the 4 wheel drive switch & one for the controller that is plugged into the back of the "delete bin."
The challenge appears to be in educating the dealerships about this - perhaps the dealers needed to order the controller to be installed into all trucks with the tow package, or Ford should make it standard since the vehicles are being marketed as "Towing Workhorses." Most importantly, they need to make this process of adding this controller a bit less confusing because they are wasting the time of a lot of people - including mine. Read: "Get it together Ford and offer a training Bulliietn for Dealerships and Service Coupons (fordowner.com) to get these units turned on." It is an easy install for the unit for most owners - owners just can't access the computer as the dealer can.
When I called the Lodi Dealer to ask them to prepare to "turn on" our controller minimizing time - but they said they are going to have to charge us. I sent an e-mail to Ford asking for a service coupon so it does not cost us anything...after the time I and others have spent on this - when all dealership's service departments should have been clearly advised before anyone asked for this part. Really, as if it is rocket science. I also provided the dealer with the text from the service bulletin 20706 and the text from the Workshop Manual section 206-10 that lists the stept to take 1 - 9 heck here it is...
Programmable Parameters
The message center will display TBC FAULT if it is receiving communications from the Trailer Brake Control (TBC) module, but has not been configured for a trailer brake system. If the message center displays TBC FAULT and there are no DTCs stored in the TBC module, follow these steps to verify and/or modify the TBC module programmable parameter in the Instrument Cluster (IC).
1. Identify the vehicle using the normal Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) process.
2. Select Programming and press the check box.
3. Select Module Programming and press the check box.
4. Select Programmable Parameters and press the check box.
5. Select Personality and press the check box.
6. Follow the on-screen directions.
7. NOTE: The scan tool will display either EQUIPPED or NOT EQUIPPED to the left of TBC-IC.
Highlight TBC-IC.
8. If the IC needs to be configured for a trailer brake system, choose EQUIPPED and press the check box.
9. Carry out a self-test of the TBC module. Refer to the Trailer Brake Control (TBC) Module DTC Chart for any DTCs
Told them to make sure their tech knew how to do this procedure so that we were not paying for the learning curve - we have already paid - thanks. Good luck to ya'all. [It did not appear that they had done this - but has no trouble following the instructions we provided that they already had - dealerships just do not want to believe that these instructions actually apply to these units on these trucks.]
Tech tried to charge for .6 hrs. but we had timed the work knowing it should have been less - so service advisor cut that to the next lowest time increment and charged $40. Still too much for what we had to do to "learn them."
Anyway, all hooked up and loooks great. Apparently it is tied into the abs system etc which is why one poster could not get the breaks on the trailer to lock up when he put it to the test. That is why they call it an integrated unit. Displays on instrument panel and you don't have to even look at the unit while trailering - finally ready to trailer. Hooorah!!!
UPDATE: Towed our 26' Trailer over 4th of July weekend - oh, so very nice!!!! Mileage was around 10mpg's though - but that is better than our '02 F-150 with a V-6 - the truck we just replaced. The IBC unit looks so pretty on the dash as if it was placed there in the factory - it worked like a champ - love it!!!
The challenge appears to be in educating the dealerships about this - perhaps the dealers needed to order the controller to be installed into all trucks with the tow package, or Ford should make it standard since the vehicles are being marketed as "Towing Workhorses." Most importantly, they need to make this process of adding this controller a bit less confusing because they are wasting the time of a lot of people - including mine. Read: "Get it together Ford and offer a training Bulliietn for Dealerships and Service Coupons (fordowner.com) to get these units turned on." It is an easy install for the unit for most owners - owners just can't access the computer as the dealer can.
When I called the Lodi Dealer to ask them to prepare to "turn on" our controller minimizing time - but they said they are going to have to charge us. I sent an e-mail to Ford asking for a service coupon so it does not cost us anything...after the time I and others have spent on this - when all dealership's service departments should have been clearly advised before anyone asked for this part. Really, as if it is rocket science. I also provided the dealer with the text from the service bulletin 20706 and the text from the Workshop Manual section 206-10 that lists the stept to take 1 - 9 heck here it is...
Programmable Parameters
The message center will display TBC FAULT if it is receiving communications from the Trailer Brake Control (TBC) module, but has not been configured for a trailer brake system. If the message center displays TBC FAULT and there are no DTCs stored in the TBC module, follow these steps to verify and/or modify the TBC module programmable parameter in the Instrument Cluster (IC).
1. Identify the vehicle using the normal Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) process.
2. Select Programming and press the check box.
3. Select Module Programming and press the check box.
4. Select Programmable Parameters and press the check box.
5. Select Personality and press the check box.
6. Follow the on-screen directions.
7. NOTE: The scan tool will display either EQUIPPED or NOT EQUIPPED to the left of TBC-IC.
Highlight TBC-IC.
8. If the IC needs to be configured for a trailer brake system, choose EQUIPPED and press the check box.
9. Carry out a self-test of the TBC module. Refer to the Trailer Brake Control (TBC) Module DTC Chart for any DTCs
Told them to make sure their tech knew how to do this procedure so that we were not paying for the learning curve - we have already paid - thanks. Good luck to ya'all. [It did not appear that they had done this - but has no trouble following the instructions we provided that they already had - dealerships just do not want to believe that these instructions actually apply to these units on these trucks.]
Tech tried to charge for .6 hrs. but we had timed the work knowing it should have been less - so service advisor cut that to the next lowest time increment and charged $40. Still too much for what we had to do to "learn them."
Anyway, all hooked up and loooks great. Apparently it is tied into the abs system etc which is why one poster could not get the breaks on the trailer to lock up when he put it to the test. That is why they call it an integrated unit. Displays on instrument panel and you don't have to even look at the unit while trailering - finally ready to trailer. Hooorah!!!
UPDATE: Towed our 26' Trailer over 4th of July weekend - oh, so very nice!!!! Mileage was around 10mpg's though - but that is better than our '02 F-150 with a V-6 - the truck we just replaced. The IBC unit looks so pretty on the dash as if it was placed there in the factory - it worked like a champ - love it!!!
Last edited by kim n paul; Jul 13, 2009 at 03:52 PM. Reason: Adding on info
Ford/Mazda Parts guy
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 937
Likes: 7
From: USA
We are waiting to hear from the Gweke Ford dealership in Lodi, CA to see if they know about the Computer hookup and personal settings - setting for the Trailer Break activation or "programming" as mentioned in the Workshop Manual Section 206-10 from within the Service Bul # 20706. The unit can be purchased through the parts department for F-150 XL with the Trailer Tow Package Class IV # 535 which is on the V8 3V motor. The unit is easy to install and you can see a video on etrailer.com showing how to access the wire harness connected to the delete-able cup including the easy removal of the dash panel. Also, instructions should be included with the wire harness supplied at purchase for the installation of an aftermarket unit to install integrated unit - the fuse and relay with it are for powering trailer battery from Truck. There are only two skrews and two wires to disconnect (one for the 4 wheel drive switch & one for the controller that is plugged into the back of the cup.
The challenge appears to be in educating the dealerships about this - perhaps the dealers needed to order the controller to be installed into all trucks with the tow package, or Ford should make it standard since the vehicles are being marketed as "Towing Workhorses." Most importantly, they need to make this process of adding this controller a bit less confusing because they are wasting the time of a lot of people - including mine.
I will post again when we get this thing turned on by the dealer (last - the dealer told us that they could walk us through it over the phone) so I am guessing that this dealership has not yet dealt with this issue either.
The challenge appears to be in educating the dealerships about this - perhaps the dealers needed to order the controller to be installed into all trucks with the tow package, or Ford should make it standard since the vehicles are being marketed as "Towing Workhorses." Most importantly, they need to make this process of adding this controller a bit less confusing because they are wasting the time of a lot of people - including mine.
I will post again when we get this thing turned on by the dealer (last - the dealer told us that they could walk us through it over the phone) so I am guessing that this dealership has not yet dealt with this issue either.
Mine has been in my truck since last week and I have already used it twice.......Been happy with what I got.
5 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 532
From: The Great Midwest, aka, Flyover Country
A quick add to this older post...
When I traded earlier this year, I removed my existing Tekonsha Prodigy from my old F250 and and installed it into my '09 F150. Figgered it was similar technology and didn't want to pay the nearly $250 for the Ford unit.
However, a recent article in Boating mag (highly recommended reading for you trailer-hauling folks) focused on the do's and don'ts of trailering, trailer/tongue loading, etc. The article specifically mentioned Ford's integrated controller for this year's F150 model, and they said that not only is it integrated into the master cylinder/ABS system, but that it also uses input from the TCS system and that, when TCS senses vehicle yaw as a result of trailer sway (as opposed to steering input) that it would independently send a voltage signal to the trailer brakes to apply braking force to the trailer without the driver actually applying his truck brakes. This is similar to what an experienced hauler would do--manually apply the trailer brakes to dampen sway--but done automatically!
So, it probably makes sense to pony up the bucks for the Ford unit and take advantage of all the engineering that FoMoCo put into our new trucks.
When I traded earlier this year, I removed my existing Tekonsha Prodigy from my old F250 and and installed it into my '09 F150. Figgered it was similar technology and didn't want to pay the nearly $250 for the Ford unit.
However, a recent article in Boating mag (highly recommended reading for you trailer-hauling folks) focused on the do's and don'ts of trailering, trailer/tongue loading, etc. The article specifically mentioned Ford's integrated controller for this year's F150 model, and they said that not only is it integrated into the master cylinder/ABS system, but that it also uses input from the TCS system and that, when TCS senses vehicle yaw as a result of trailer sway (as opposed to steering input) that it would independently send a voltage signal to the trailer brakes to apply braking force to the trailer without the driver actually applying his truck brakes. This is similar to what an experienced hauler would do--manually apply the trailer brakes to dampen sway--but done automatically!
So, it probably makes sense to pony up the bucks for the Ford unit and take advantage of all the engineering that FoMoCo put into our new trucks.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
My dealer in NJ will not activate the trailer brake module I bought from their parts dept..
I have an '09 FX4 SCrew with Max Tow package. I have showed them this thread, offered to pay for reasonable shop time. They cite possible liability issues and the lack of "a kit" (ie not listed in the accessories book) as their reasons for refusing me.
I will install the module myself, all I ask is the necessary activation be done.
As far as the liability goes, don't they work on brakes, airbags, steering, everyday?
Oh, and they want 25% restocking fee to take back the part.
Any ideas?
I have an '09 FX4 SCrew with Max Tow package. I have showed them this thread, offered to pay for reasonable shop time. They cite possible liability issues and the lack of "a kit" (ie not listed in the accessories book) as their reasons for refusing me.
I will install the module myself, all I ask is the necessary activation be done.
As far as the liability goes, don't they work on brakes, airbags, steering, everyday?
Oh, and they want 25% restocking fee to take back the part.
Any ideas?
