Brake Controller - Prewired???

[Wesmertz]

I have a 2021 Xl STX FX4 with the towing package. I just bought a 7x16 tandem axle trailer with brakes on both axles (using a 7pin connector). My truck has a 7 pin plug (hence the towing package), and my understanding is there should be either a bundle of wires or a plug under the dash so as to plug in a brake controller.

Questions:

1- do I have a harness with a plug?
2- or do I have some wires I can connect to?

Sponsored

 

[Frenchy]

@Grumpaw will have the best answer for this, but if I remember correctly you will have a small bundle of wires under the dash to connect to.

That said if you don't have a trailer brake controller yet, I highly recommend the RedArc Trailer Brake Controller. You can take time to decide between the Elite and Liberty model. Both are designed and made in Australia. Those who have it love it!

 

[Wesmertz]

Per the size of the dial, this is precisely the controller I want. The video I see are filmed in Australia, and that have to run all kinds of wires to the plug on the back of the truck. I’m in America and I think mine are already run to the dash from the 7 pin connector. Looking for confirmation before I dig in.

 

[Frenchy]

With the RedArc Trailer Brake Controller you only need to run wires to the back of the vehicle if there are no provisions. Thankfully the Ranger already has said provisions. This allows you to choose any Trailer Brake Controller you want. If not mistaken you will have a bundle of 4-5 wires under the dash. 4 will be connected to the Trailer Brake Controller. There will also be a harness that goes in-between the controller and the knob(for the RedArc of course). If you are capable then you can easily knock it out in a few hours. Just make sure to take your time and plan carefully.

 

[Grumpaw]

Big wire bundle under dash to the left of the brake pedal.
There are 4 wires with cut ends that are taped to the bundle....usually with a piece of blue tape. These are the 4 wires that connect to the brake control.
Wire colors are white/blue/white-purple/yellow-red.
White connects to ground on controller
Blue connects to blue brake output wire on controller
White/purple connects to red brake input wire on controller
Yellow/red connects to 12 volt black power wire on controller

The 4 wires on the controller are the same color/function no matter the brand of controller...its an industry standard.

 

[Blue Streak]

This is the photo of mine when I cut them from the bundle. The black tape upper left center is where they where taped together. Mine is a 2019.

 

[Blue Streak]

I also mounted mine in the 12v power port hole like others have done. Saves from tearing out the console.

 

[ShapeShifter]

This is the photo of mine when I cut them from the bundle. The black tape upper left center is where they where taped together. Mine is a 2019.

My 2022 does not have the factory towing package, but does have a flat 4 pin connector wired in back. Do you know if the wires behind the kick panel terminate at the 4 pin connector?

 

[Blue Streak]

Since it is not factory installed I would not be sure. Also since it dies not have factory tow package I am not sure if the wires for the brake controller are there. Someone with more knowledge maybe able to help. Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

[RangerBill]

My 2022 does not have the factory towing package, but does have a flat 4 pin connector wired in back. Do you know if the wires behind the kick panel terminate at the 4 pin connector?

There is no trailer brake connection at the 4 pin connector. I ordered a Ford wiring harness and a 7 pin connector to install the 7 pin trailer connector needed to use a trailer brake controller.
If you have the rear bumper parking sensors in your truck, the part number for the cable is KB3Z-15K868-D and the 7 pin connector is FU5Z-14489-A. The cable replaces the one to your license plate light sockets, 4 pin trailer connector, and rear parking aid sensors and adds the connection to the 7 pin trailer connector.

 

[ShapeShifter]

There is no trailer brake connection at the 4 pin connector. I ordered a Ford wiring harness and a 7 pin connector to install the 7 pin trailer connector needed to use a trailer brake controller.
If you have the rear bumper parking sensors in your truck, the part number for the cable is KB3Z-15K868-D and the 7 pin connector is FU5Z-14489-A. The cable replaces the one to your license plate light sockets, 4 pin trailer connector, and rear parking aid sensors and adds the connection to the 7 pin trailer connector.

Thanks for that, but what Im really asking is - if my truck has the 4 wires behind the kick panel, where do they terminate. I know they are not connected to the flat four, but are they bundled in the left rear?

 

[RangerBill]

Thanks for that, but what Im really asking is - if my truck has the 4 wires behind the kick panel, where do they terminate. I know they are not connected to the flat four, but are they bundled in the left rear?

As I said, the 7 pin connector and wiring harness to that connector is needed. The wiring harness plugs into a connector under the truck bed and replaces an existing harness that you will remove. Those will get you the wiring from the wiring under the dash (if present) and the rear of the truck. You will probably have the wires under the dash, but look to confirm.
Wiring diagram from the shop manual:

 

[airline tech]

The answer to your question - If you have the wires taped in the LH Kick Panel and do not have the 4/7 Pin Connector

 

[ShapeShifter]

The answer to your question - If you have the wires taped in the LH Kick Panel and do not have the 4/7 Pin Connector

Thanks very much for this info!

I have the 4 wire bundle! I do have rear bumper sensors. Is there a way to tell if I have the 15K868-D harness?

From C405, there is a branch that goes down to the existing flat four connector (red Arrow). do you think the trailer brake wires could be terminated in that branch (if they do come out of a 15K868-D)?

Also, your pic of the 15K868 Aft plug has 6,7, and 13 greyed out. Are those 3 of the 4 wires from the front bundle? If so, where is the 4 th wire?

 

[RangerBill]

I have the 4 wire bundle! I do have rear bumper sensors. Is there a way to tell if I have the 15K868 harness?

From C405, there is a branch that goes down to the existing flat four connector (red Arrow). do you think the trailer brake wires could be terminated in that branch (if they do come out of a 15K868)?

You will need to replace that wiring harness with a KB3Z-15K868-C wiring harness since you don't have the parking sensors in the bumper. Your cable has the 4 pin connector so it will not accommodate the 7 pin trailer socket and will need replacing with the above part number cable. You will also will need a FU5Z-14489-A trailer 7/4 pin connector to mount in the bumper.

Sponsored