Man, this looks like a major hassle. Every tow vehicle I've previously had, had a simple plug, easily reachable, under the dash, by the pedals. The 2010 F150 has it right behind the empty slot holder where the Factory Brake Controller would had been installed, if it had it.

The directions say to take the front cover of the dash apart to gain access to the 2 bolts that hold this slot holder in place.

I'm wondering if I should even waste the time or have the dealer just install a factory controller and link it up with the dash display.

Is it really as bad as it looks??

Thanks

 

Just get a factory one. undo the 2 screws and plug it in yourself. It takes no more than 5 minutes. bring it to dealer and have it turned on.

 

Let us know how you make out. Thanks

 

It is really easy to install if you don't have the flow thru console. Here is how I did it on my 2010 SCREW. Also be aware that the controller p/n is different between the 2009 and the 2010, so be sure you bought the right one.

1. Grasp the bottom of the silver trim piece that surrounds the coin slot.

2. Gently pull to release the snaps along the right side of the trim. Work your way up from the bottom. Tilt this piece at a slight angle to the instrument surround and it will slip right out.

3. Remove the coin holder and keep the screws.

4.The harness is tapped to a support back behind the dash, you may have to release a clip to allow it to extend far enough to engage with the controller. There is a cap on the plug end, so remove and discard it before plugging it in.

5. Install harness into back of controller till it snaps in place.

6. Screw controller in place using coin holder screws.

7. Wiggle trim piece back in place and push firmly to engage snaps.

8. Go to dealer and have them initialize the controller with the computer (it will not work until this is done). Some dealers will do this for free, but mine charged me $50 for the service....kinda steep for a 10 minute computer program adjustment!

9. Go tow something and test it out.

As stated before this is a 5-10 minute job to install; however, if you have the flow thru console it requires more stuff to be removed per the Ford instructions.

I have used mine and am very pleased with the smooth and progressive brake application on the trailer.

 

the dealer that i bought my truck from wants $95.00 to activate the trailer brake controller.

 

Great thing and I'd rate it #3 out of 10 with #1 being the easiest thing to do. The controller through Tasca will be under $200 shipped and if you take your time it should take under an hour to replace. 1/2 the time if you don't have the flow through console.

My dealer didn't know what to charge so did it for nothing. We did friend and he went to another local dealer who charged him $50. It works way better than any aftermarket brake controller I ever used.

 

Hmmm. I thought most of the 2010 connectors were below the dash just to the right of the steering column. I know the 2009 F150 were behind the "cubby".

 

this is correct most 2010's ive added a controller to i have found the connector back under the drivers side dash. 2009's were attatched to the cubby