Newbie tow brake question

[puckdodger]

Hey folks the truck I just bought has a trailer brake unit under the steering wheel. The wiring looks to be tied off to the OBD, would it be spliced into any of the OEM wiring somewhere along the line?

I don't really tow anything and have no reason to expect I would need it.

I'm chasing a gremlin related to the tow haul mode not working and wonder if this unit could be causing problems?

Thanks

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[Grumpaw]

It's probably wired directly to the underdash brake control wire's, a semi hidden 4 wires that are in a wire bundle under the dash to the left of the steering column. Try to trace the wires from the controller and see where they splice into. If it's an after market controller like a Tenkonsha or Reese, the 4 wires from it connect to the 4 underdash wires.
Shouldn't have anythint to do with a tow/haul problem as the tow/haul is with the tranny. The brake control wires are strictly for the hot/negative/control wires and don't tie into the trans at all.

 

[puckdodger]

It's probably wired directly to the underdash brake control wire's, a semi hidden 4 wires that are in a wire bundle under the dash to the left of the steering column. Try to trace the wires from the controller and see where they splice into. If it's an after market controller like a Tenkonsha or Reese, the 4 wires from it connect to the 4 underdash wires.

Thanks I'll take a closer look. I'm leaning toward removing it altogether. I'm guessing it wouldn't likely be a normal type electrical connector. Ugh, my knees already hate this job lol

 

[Grumpaw]

Thanks I'll take a closer look. I'm leaning toward removing it altogether. I'm guessing it wouldn't likely be a normal type electrical connector. Ugh, my knees already hate this job lol

No, the 4 wires are just ended with a cut. They are very small diameter, and are attached to the main wire bundle under and to the left. If it was done, than the added wires from the control should be spliced and covered, hopefully with shrink wrap, or even electrical tape.
Ford did not leave the wires very long, and initally their a pain to splice and cover correctly...you almost have to have triple joints and teeeeny tiny hands.
For info, does the Ranger have a factory tow package ?

 

[airline tech]

What specific Tow-Haul Mode issue do you have?

There is only the switch and Programming.
Do you have any fault codes or just observation?

 

[puckdodger]

What specific Tow-Haul Mode issue do you have?

There is only the switch and Programming.
Do you have any fault codes or just observation?

It's, uh, not a Ranger. It's a 2011 gmc Sierra. That's why I was only kinda asking about the trailer brake. I wouldn't dare ask a GM specific question here ??

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

It's, uh, not a Ranger. It's a 2011 gmc Sierra. That's why I was only kinda asking about the trailer brake. I wouldn't dare ask a GM specific question here ??

I was wondering when that was going to come to light Jim. ? ? ?

 

[puckdodger]

I was wondering when that was going to come to light Jim. ? ? ?

Shhhhhhh!!!!

 

[canyonslicker]

Ummm… I don’t know what to say…

 

[Nellieg]

First go out and trade it in for a ranger... That should fix your issue with tow mode

 

[puckdodger]

Ummm… I don’t know what to say…

Well, I only asked on here because I learned since joined the Ford side that y'all are quite welcoming and friendly, if not a little pushy with the dampers and 303. So, even though I have moved on from the Ranger I still felt like I could reach out to this great online community for a bit of general guidance. Consider it a show of respect lol

 

[Friday yet?]

Yep. It's all about seeking answers where the experts reside. Totally get it.

BTW, if your chebby ever seems to be low on power you can ask about that over on the Taco forum. Those guys have been dealing with low power for years.

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