Ford licensed TBC Install Instructions

[Jason B]

Has anyone installed this licensed TBC by tappinng into CHMSL under the dash?

Someone, somewhere on the forum did that. Ford won't do it as they have a policy about not cutting and splicing wires.

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[Sojourner]

Bumping a sleeping thread.

Finished w/o issue installation of the Ford TBC kit. PIA, but pretty straight-forward. This is the video to use; I found it very helpful:



He doesn't go into the CHMSL connector issue (two types of connectors based on what connectors Ford used: black or gray), but there's a post really early in this thread that is helpful (I think #58 or so).

Otherwise, as I stated, it made the less-than-straightforward install instructions more understandable. Took me (going slowly) the better part of a (hot) day.

 

[midwayfordranger2021]

Cool thanks for posting...how much is this controller?

 

[midwayfordranger2021]

Cool thanks for posting...how much is this controller?

I just installed the TBC in the Accessory catalog from Ford. It cost me 299.00 at the dealer, although if you look around I'm sure you could find it cheaper. The part number you want is VKB3Z-2C006-A. It is a Red Arc brake controller from an Australian company, packaged here in the States by an outfit called Lumen. This part came with a wiring harness to hook into the third brake light connector behind the headliner in the rear of the cab. This had everything needed for the install... but I agree with the other guys... the instructions are HORRIBLE. They are pictoral only and really don't give much info. Look them over very carefully before you start the install. I installed the hardware under the dash behind the steering column and the controller knob in the removable panel just above the hood release. I have a 2021 Ranger/ Factory Trailer Package and a 4000 lb. trailer. Just got back from the Great Lakes with it and I will say it works very well as you can adjust the output on it and , after awhile... you forget the trailer is back there !

 

[bbeverag]

Bumping a sleeping thread.

Finished w/o issue installation of the Ford TBC kit. PIA, but pretty straight-forward. This is the video to use; I found it very helpful:



He doesn't go into the CHMSL connector issue (two types of connectors based on what connectors Ford used: black or gray), but there's a post really early in this thread that is helpful (I think #58 or so).

Otherwise, as I stated, it made the less-than-straightforward install instructions more understandable. Took me (going slowly) the better part of a (hot) day.

So I am hearing it is a diy job for someone who can follow instructions..

 

[Sojourner]

So I am hearing it is a diy job for someone who can follow instructions..

Yes. Even for an old (really) broken down vet like me it was a DIY success.

The hard parts (for me due to injuries and arthritis) were a) getting under the dashboard to access the wires that are bundled up in there and b) accessing the CHMSL connectors from inside the cab (as I have a topper on my Ranger). If you don't have a topper or don't mind removing it, the CHMSL portion is pretty straightforward.

Somebody less broken down could probably knock it out in half a day. And in less than 2 hours if you know your way around trim piece removal, etc.

 

[Sojourner]

Let me add one more detail.

Unlike the video, I used Posi-Lock connectors (the yellow 10-12 gauge ones, IIRC) instead of heat-shrink butt connectors to connect the kit to those two wires (blue and yellow, IIRC) that are under the dash and on the driver side wall that you have to pull down from the wire loom.

Much easier solution than having to fiddle around with a heat gun under the dash and amongst all those delicate wires.

 

[tygr2007]

I love the instruction manual where it just shows pictures and no information.

 

[PonyXpress]

I have a extra Ford brake controller, still in the box and never used. PM if interested.

 

[rooster]

has anyone ever pulled off this install in the allotted 30 mins?

Fitting Time / Durée D’installation / Tiempo De Adaptación: 30 minutes

 

[Jason B]

has anyone ever pulled off this install in the allotted 30 mins?

Fitting Time / Durée D’installation / Tiempo De Adaptación: 30 minutes

Not even Ford techs could do it in 30 minutes.

 

[Sojourner]

Not even Ford techs could do it in 30 minutes.

True. True. But if I were to have a Ford tech install it I would've gladly taken the 30 minutes labor cost over the actual!

 

[craw169]

I have a extra Ford brake controller, still in the box and never used. PM if interested.

wish you weren't so far away because i would gladly buy it from you! i am in canada and it seems a little hard to find one that ships from canada. it seems to me that there are 2 kits with the same part number...one kit says for 2022-2023 model years and other is for 2019-2021....so i am scared to order it in case i get the wrong version. i could get it cheaper if i ordered from usa but if i had to send it back that would be huge hassle. i found one that i can get delivered to a ford dealer down the road from me so i guess at least that way i can return it there if it is the wrong kit. costs $500 CAD...ouch but i want the ford authorized one that works with emergency braking, etc. i watched a couple installation videos and i think i can get it done.

off topic, but i have rust on my roof rack connectors too so if i am going to take some of the headliner down i might think about replacing them as well and take the headliner completely out. i don't have much experience with fixing cars so i might get into a bit of trouble. i already tried to get my dealer to do it under warranty and they said ford won't cover it....i would think it should be covered under the corrosion warranty but dealer said it is not. my dealer is usually pretty good so i guess i need to take them at their word that ford won't cover it....they should though!

 

[jybonnybee]

I have a extra Ford brake controller, still in the box and never used. PM if interested.

What are you asking for it? Is it complete with harness, wire and connectors?

 

[PonyXpress]

$200. plus buyer pays for shipping.

The kit comes with small wire connectors that are junk, and that is how I ended up with an extra kit. While trying to make the wire connections at the third brake light, those cheap wire connectors broke. I was in panic mode because we were pulling a fully loaded trailer later that week. So I ordered a second kit with overnight shipping. I then tried to install the wire connectors again from the 2nd brake controller and those broke as well. I ended up hard wiring the connections, meaning I did not use any of the wire connectors. This kit came with 2 sets of wire connectors, grey and black. My truck called for the grey ones, so those are the broken ones. The kit still has the black connectors, but I would not recommend using them. To be clear, the kit I'm selling is missing the grey wire connectors. If your truck calls for the grey ones, you would need to connect the wires directly, like I did. I haven't had any issues at all and the controller worked great, including the emergency brake with the third light and auto braking.

If interested, send me a PM and we can sort out the details. I can also send a couple of pics for you.

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