I have a 2009 f150 xlt. Was trying to figure out where the trailer brake adapter is to install my brake box, but I can't find it. Looked under the dash where the instructions said it would be, but no luck. Every other truck I've had usually has it in a similar location, too.

Went to 2 dealers, but they haven't done any '09's yet, so they weren't very helpful.


Does anyone know where the adapter is located so that I can plug it in and connect the brake box?

Thanks

ferris11@hotmail.com

 

Since they were supposed to start installing factory in-dash brake controllers in '09 it is priobably a little higher inside and behind the dash.
Usually theyt are directly behind and above the OBDII port.
If it is not there, remove your lower dash panel and look towards the radio. It should be attached to the dash support brace from a wiring clip.

You can find it by feel without removing the panel, but if you have never seen where one is it will be tough to find.

This is the same location as the current Super Duty without a factory installed brake contoller. Tell your dealer that and they should be able to find it.

 

Took apart the lower panel to dig around up there, but couldn't find it - the adapter that comes in the side pocket of the door doesn't fit anything that I've seen. I checked behind the odbII port, but nothing. I'm thinking that maybe they stashed it in the middle (under the radio) somewhere.
Thanks

 

Your plug should not be the old six pin socket that was used recently. ('94-'07)
The new plug is larger and more rounded corners.

 

I had the same problem. We found it yesterday. There is a cubby bin in place of the factory installed trailer brake controller just to the right of the steering column. The 14 pin connector you are looking for is attached to a false plug molded into the back of the cubby bin. You will need to lay on your back and reach about a foot up into the back of the IP to find it.

 

That's great info. Thanks!
Do I have to remove anything (besides the false plug) to get to the connector, or is that it?

I presume that the cubby is removable - If my brake controller fits in that space, I might just put it in there. I'm going to go digging in the next couple of days.

 

I put the controller in this weekend. Not too difficult. All you have to do is pull off the dash moulding over the vent, remove the 4WD molex. Then unscrew the cubby and remove the Brake box adapter.
I drilled a hole in the back of the cubby and put my Tekonsha prodigy in there.

Words of wisdom that I learned - don't assume that the wire colors from the brake controller match the Ford wires - make sure that you read which wire does what before wiring them together.

Fortunately, I was able to fix my wiring mix up without any damage.

 

Is it possible to just get the factory setup and "plug & Play" then?

Looking at a 09 that does not have the option factory installed.

 

You still have to remove the same parts to get it in there, but if you get the dealer to do it, then it's plug and play.

 

The Tekonsha Prodigy or the P3 I am understanding to be a better choice? Will have to look into this as I AM NOT spending an arm and Nut for something that can be done for the $150 or so. I just figured if I was lucky to find one in the jYard down the road I could just place into the slot and hook it up. I wanted to be sure there was not more to it then that?

 

I use a tekonsha prodigy and it works great. The only advantage to the ford controller is that the adapter will just plug in. Tekonsha usually makes adapters so that it's the same way, but right now, you have to match up the four wires on your own - the wires don't match from color to color (i.e. white to white), but it's not too difficult.
I'd personally go with the Tekonsha. You can get one for under $100 - I drilled a hole in the back of the cubby hole for the wires and laid velcro on top and bottom of the cubby and the controller sits in there nicely - barely noticeable, and it works perfectly. Good luck.

 

Hey, Mr. Moderator, this subject might be a good candidate for a sticky.It's come up at least twice and will no doubt be visited many more times.

 

Here is a video of the installation

http://www.etrailer.com/tv-brake-con...ford-f150.aspx

 

sticky