Adding brake controller to 2012 FX4
 

I have a factory hitch and both 4 and 7 pin trailer connector. Anyone have a Ford dealership install Ford product brake controller in this circumstance?

There are a number of threads where owners have had Ford install the Ford TBC. Do you have questions specific to having a dealership install the controller?

Yes. How much should it cost? Am looking if I can find someone who had this done on same year with same truck options.

I've seen those (lots anyway) threads but I'm thrown off by what the closest dealership said when I was there last week. Said they would charge me 2 hours (at $130/hour) to take dash apart and scope out the job. I have factory installed receiver and 4 and 7 pin connectors so hard to believe the plug ins aren't there. I know dashes are not easy to deal with but perhaps I went to wrong dealership.

Since you have the receiver and the wiring harness in a 2012, then you have the towing package. The OEM integrated trailer brake controller (ITBC) is a "plug-and-play" part. Install it in the dash, plug it in, and then tell the computer in the truck to turn it on. Done.

You can buy the ITBC from a discount Ford parts source, install it yourself, then use FORScan to turn it on. Or you can install it yourself, then have any Ford dealer turn it on. Or the dealer can take care of the whole project.

Here's a discount source to get the ITBC:
https://parts.autonationfordwhitebearlake.com/oem-parts/ford-trailer-brake-control-vehicles-w-tow-max-bl3z19h332aa?c=Zz10cmFpbGVyaW5nJnM9aGl0Y2gmbD0xJm4 9U2VhcmNoIFJlc3VsdHMmYT1mb3JkJm89Zi0xNTAmeT0yMDEyJ nQ9Zng0JmU9NS0wbC12OC1mbGV4

Note list price is $220 and you save $50 by ordering it from the above link. Or find part number (BL3Z-19H332-AA) and check prices at Amazon.com and other discount sources.

Or ask your Ford dealer to match that price, or else maybe charge you $220 installed and turned on. A Ford service manager should be willing to turn it on for $50 or so.

Is it possible to use a Prodigy and mount it to the bottom of the dash instead of paying Ford to install their brake controller in-dash? Would it interface with the truck computer? I have a 2016 XLT Crew Cab, 5.0 and trying to save some cash.

If you're pretty swift with electronics you may be able to modify the oem gain and brake switch to work with an aftermarket controller. Getting an aftermarket controller to communicate with the truck, however would take some serious engineering, and end up costing a lot more than an oem install.

Unless you've got a free brake controller, it's not worth it to save a few bucks unless you prefer a controller due to features, flexibility, or control you feel exceeds the oem controller. The oem ITBC installs out of view, and the controls are cleanly mounted in the dash. There are some aftermarket controllers that have remote buttons/knobs, but not remote displays, that I've seen.

You won't save much cash by installing a Prodigy. https://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Contr...sha/90885.html

The Prodigy can be installed and plugged into the same wiring harness under the dash. But it won't be integrated with the braking system of the tow vehicle.

You an buy the OEM Ford integrated trailer brake controller for ~$170, DIY using free FORScan to turn it on. Total cash $170. A Prodigy P2 from a discount source will cost you ~$140 and you still have to DIY. Having ABS on the trailer brakes is worth a lot more than the $30 difference in price.

[QUOTE=smokeywren;6144704]You won't save much cash by installing a Prodigy. https://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Contr...sha/90885.html

The Prodigy can be installed and plugged into the same wiring harness under the dash. But it won't be integrated with the braking system of the tow vehicle.

You an buy the OEM Ford integrated trailer brake controller for ~$170, DIY using free FORScan to turn it on. Total cash $170. A Prodigy from a discount source will cost you ~$130 and you still have to DIY.[/QUOTE


thanks for the info

Add the cost of an MX adaptor if you don't already have one. I paid $60 for my Bluetooth adaptor. USB adaptors are cheaper.

Been searching old threads and not finding what I need. I bought a Tekonsha Primus brake controller (because I have them in 3 other trucks and want consistency) along with the specific 'plug and play' wiring harness for my truck. However, I cannot locate the other plug under the dash to connect to my new plug.

Can anyone here tell me where to locate the truck side of the plug for the brake controller, without going into arguments for or against using an aftermarket controller?
controller
plug and play harness