im going to put a brake controller in my 1997 for 150 and i need to know if im going to have to put in any fuses or relays or somthing of that nature. Also my understanding is that you get the pigtail connect that the the plug under the dash and from that to the controller. is that all? Another thing is, do i need to run cables to the back of the truck for the controller to work or do i just plug it in. thanks

 

Check the sticky at the top of this section for a diagram of the 2 often missing relays in the underhood fusebox. If you have them, cool, all you'd need is the pigtail. You shoulda got one with the truck if equipped with a tow package and the missing relays too, otherwise it's time to buy some stuff. You could either buy a Ford pigtail from the dealer and solder the controllers wires to the individual wires of the pigtail or buy a Ford specific plug pigtail from the controller manufacturer. As long as you have the 7 pin harness out back, your ready to go.

 

My 2001 did not come with the tow package. But the wires are in the truck. I replaced my 4 pin with a Ford 7 pin and it worked fine. I did have to add the relays that the previous post mentioned. It's very easy and the locations are in your owners manual as well. I just put in a Prodigy this week. It took all of 30 minutes; most of which was just deciding where to put the unit. My total cost for Prodigy, the plug to plug Ford adapter ($15 adapter and then no crimping or soldering of wires), and shipping was $115.00 As easy as can be.

 

where did you order your controller from?

 

Ebay my man, some chick had them selling at $79.99 buy it now. I haven't got mine in the mail, but keep an eye open for that, some are $89 or so too on ebay.

 

Question: Got it the other day, the Prodigy, and seeing it only has 4 wires, the Ford harness has 5. What if anything do you do with the "illumination" wire? Just wanted to make sure it wasn't important, otherwise it is gonna be easy to install. I'm not gonna do it till it's a bit warmer out anyways.

 

Cap it, it doesn't get used in a brake controller install.
If you go to a local trailer parts store there is a wiring harnes specifically for the prodigy that will plug into the Ford and into the prodigy so there will be no connecting of the 2 harnesses. They run about $10....just a suggestion.
Then all you would have to do is pich a mounting location for it.
Total time taken with the wiring harness install.....15 minutes.

 

Thank you, I figured it did nothing after searching more so I folded it and taped it back. Soldered the others together and heat shrinked them. She's good to go now. I got the Factory pigtail pretty cheap anyways so for the few times I'll use the brake controller anyways. I'm all set now for the "one day". I'll be towing a car soon so I better be ready for that and a 20ft car flat deck.