Hello All ! !
I need a bit of assistance. I recently was attempting to install an aftermarket Tekonsha Prodigy 2 Brake Controller. My 2010 F 150 has the tow max package installed.
I found the wiring harness plug under the dash, plugged in the harness adapter and the brake controller...POOF....NUTHIN' HAPPENED. The truck would not start and all the different symbols for tests and/or problems began popping up. Needless to say, I RAPIDLY unplugged the controller. I waited a couple of minutes and then the truck started and all was clear and normal. What in the world is the problem. I had a RV Tech check out the controller and harness...all ok. The problem , according to him is that there is NO SIGNAL coming from the truck computer back to the brake controller and it might be putting out an extra ground causing the start problem,etc.
Any Help or fix will be GREATLY appreciated.
THANKS

 

Welcome to the forum - I see this is your first post!!

You say you have the Max Tow package. If you do, then somebody removed your ITBC (Integrated Trailer Brake Controller) - and that might be the problem!!

A truck that does not come with the Ford ITBC does not have any interface/interaction between the truck and that TBC wiring harness.

If the truck comes with the ITBC, then the truck's computer has been flashed to interact with the ITBC.

Take a look at the 2010 F150 brochure. Scroll down to page 25 and read about the Max Tow package, and that it includes the ITBC:

http://www.ford.com/services/assets/...010&postalCode=


Take a look on page 6 and it says:

The factory-integrated TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER option uses braking input, vehicle speed and information from the vehicle's Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) to balance the performance of the truck brakes and electric trailer brakes.





If a truck doesn't come with the Ford ITBC installed, you can install an aftermarket one, like you're attempting to do, but it will have absolutely no interface with the truck's systems as discussed in the quote above. It will work the trailer's brakes, but won't talk to the truck about speed, ABS, etc.

If a truck doesn't come with the Ford ITBC installed, you can easily install the Ford ITBC, but you will need to take the truck to your dealer to have it "flashed" so it recognizes the ITBC and will interact with it in the way described in the quote from the brochure.


If your truck has been "flashed" because it DID come with an ITBC, then when you hook up an aftermarket TBC the truck's systems are confused because they're not able to communicate properly with the Tekonsha, like it would with a Ford ITBC.


Why somebody would have removed an ITBC that came in the truck, I dunno!?!?


Are you sure your truck has the Max Tow package??


If it does, and somebody removed the ITBC, and the truck's computers are trying to communicate with the Tekonsha in the same manner it talks to an ITBC, that could be the problem.


The Tekonsha Prodigy is a good unit, but the Ford ITBC far surpasses it in that it communicates with the truck and adjusts the trailer brakes as speed of the truck slows down for a stop.


If your truck is already "flashed" for an ITBC, I would recommend getting an ITBC and plug it in - it should be plug-n-play!


Even if it isn't already "flashed", I still recommend the Ford ITBC over any aftermarket TBC - it's really that good!! Plug it in, take the truck and get it flashed, and you'll enjoy the best controller you can put in your truck.


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Thanks for the reply and all the great information. Upon further review...meaning I looked the truck over again...NO MAX TOW PACKAGE. I have the hitch...the 4 pin...the 7 pin...all the stuff EXCEPT the ITBC. It does not appear that the ITBC was ever installed as the wiring harness adapter was taped above and to the right of the computer plug in port.
Back to square one...NOW WHAT ???
Have the dealer reflash the computer or do a diagnostic test or???
Open to suggestions.
Again Thanks ! ! !

 

Personal opinion, I would pick up a Ford OEM TBC, takes 5 minutes to install, than take to a dealer and have them flash the computer (again, takes like 5-10 minutes, prices vary), and your on the road.

 

If the truck never had the Ford ITBC, then it never would have been flashed for it.


Hooking up your aftermarket Tekonsha should never have caused any problems - I dunno what that problem was about.


However, I'd get the Ford ITBC if I were installing one.


I just checked eBay and they seem to be around $170 for one for a 2010. Check your build date, and maybe check with your dealer to make sure you know what the part# is for your truck.


One I see currently on eBay for $171 says: "Fits F-150 with Build Date 07/06/2009-11/01/2010 ONLY".


After installing, you'll need a dealer to flash it - and like yukonsjoy says, prices for that vary, but I think around $100 is common for the 10 minute job!!


Do a search here on the forum for info about doing it in a 2010 - you can probably get the correct part# for your truck.


If you do just want to install the Tekonsha, it should just plug in and work. If it continues to give problems, I'd check the pins in the plugs. It could also be that you have the wrong adapter. There are different ones for different year trucks!!


Good luck!!
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well I just installed my Ford trailer brake and had it activated at my local stealership works great. If you are installing aftermarket should be a quick install with plug under dash as long as you have the harness to plug into the factory plug. Might have a fuse problem... Just my two sense. I know when I installed factory brake had to install some fuses. You aftermarket brake might not be getting any power from harness. Check fuses or bust out voltage at harness. Hope that makes sense.