Factory Brake Controller
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 0
From: malvern,arkansas
i have a draw tite already prewired for our trucks ill let go for 50 bucks shipped all you have to do is plug it in and mount the brake controller and your ready i lowered my truck and removed the hitch so i no longer need it
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
The in-dash brake controllers are not just a replacement unit.
They are tied in the ECM, their own control box and a different master cylinder. Total upgrade cost is about $1500 on the new trucks.
These really aren't any different than what has been installed for a few years in the Super Duty trucks.
Beware... we have already had issues with the in dash controllers wearing out. Replacement cost on just the control box is about $850.
Most of our customers that have had problems have just installed a Prodigy and by-passed the original in dash controller.
With a Prodigy replacement cost of $99 it is a no brainer.
I would not spend nor recommend the factory in dash controllers.
They are tied in the ECM, their own control box and a different master cylinder. Total upgrade cost is about $1500 on the new trucks.
These really aren't any different than what has been installed for a few years in the Super Duty trucks.
Beware... we have already had issues with the in dash controllers wearing out. Replacement cost on just the control box is about $850.
Most of our customers that have had problems have just installed a Prodigy and by-passed the original in dash controller.
With a Prodigy replacement cost of $99 it is a no brainer.
I would not spend nor recommend the factory in dash controllers.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 0
From: Cary, NC
The in-dash brake controllers are not just a replacement unit.
They are tied in the ECM, their own control box and a different master cylinder. Total upgrade cost is about $1500 on the new trucks.
These really aren't any different than what has been installed for a few years in the Super Duty trucks.
Beware... we have already had issues with the in dash controllers wearing out. Replacement cost on just the control box is about $850.
Most of our customers that have had problems have just installed a Prodigy and by-passed the original in dash controller.
With a Prodigy replacement cost of $99 it is a no brainer.
I would not spend nor recommend the factory in dash controllers.
They are tied in the ECM, their own control box and a different master cylinder. Total upgrade cost is about $1500 on the new trucks.
These really aren't any different than what has been installed for a few years in the Super Duty trucks.
Beware... we have already had issues with the in dash controllers wearing out. Replacement cost on just the control box is about $850.
Most of our customers that have had problems have just installed a Prodigy and by-passed the original in dash controller.
With a Prodigy replacement cost of $99 it is a no brainer.
I would not spend nor recommend the factory in dash controllers.
I'm curious as to why you wouldn't recommend the factory controller?
Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 10,511
Likes: 10
From: Under the flightpath of old ORD 22R
I could not find a different section in the brakes with and without a TBC in the service manual
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
I was told by the Ford rep when he stopped by that the new F150's were using the same systems as the Super Duty and just took him at his word.
I am relaying experience with the Super Duty trucks. We don't honestly work on as many F150's as we do the Super Duty.
On the Super Duty there is a pressure switch on the master cylinder that sends a signal to the brake controller.
The dash display (odometer) shows error codes when the in dash brake controllers have a hard failure(these don't go away when an after market brake contoller replaces the factory in-dash units) This is part of the ECM that is different.
I am relaying experience with the Super Duty trucks. We don't honestly work on as many F150's as we do the Super Duty.
On the Super Duty there is a pressure switch on the master cylinder that sends a signal to the brake controller.
The dash display (odometer) shows error codes when the in dash brake controllers have a hard failure(these don't go away when an after market brake contoller replaces the factory in-dash units) This is part of the ECM that is different.
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Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 10,511
Likes: 10
From: Under the flightpath of old ORD 22R
The 2005 SuperDuty uses a brake pressure transducer to the TBC ( different TBC unit ). Not 100 % sure if this stopped on the SD line in 2007 ( most electrical items are listed as 1999-2007 ).The 2005, this was not to the PCM, but direct to the TBC.
The 1997 & 1998 SD series used the combo Shift Interlock / BPP switch combo to trigger the lead to the brake controller pigtail.
The 2009 F-150 uses the BPP input, direct off the fuse from the BPP, to either the pigtail or to the TBC.
The F-150s in the 1997-1998 series, the 1999-2003 series use the combo Shift interlock / BPP switch on the brake pedal to trigger the brake controller ( at the pigtail ) , the 2004-2008 series uses the BPP switch ( same feed to the CHMSL ) to trigger the brake controller ( pigtail ).
Either the "Ford Rep" does not know what he is talking about, or you misunderstood what he meant by "using the same systems as the Super Duty " ( meaning the option of an integrated TBC ).
The 1997 & 1998 SD series used the combo Shift Interlock / BPP switch combo to trigger the lead to the brake controller pigtail.
The 2009 F-150 uses the BPP input, direct off the fuse from the BPP, to either the pigtail or to the TBC.
The F-150s in the 1997-1998 series, the 1999-2003 series use the combo Shift interlock / BPP switch on the brake pedal to trigger the brake controller ( at the pigtail ) , the 2004-2008 series uses the BPP switch ( same feed to the CHMSL ) to trigger the brake controller ( pigtail ).
Either the "Ford Rep" does not know what he is talking about, or you misunderstood what he meant by "using the same systems as the Super Duty " ( meaning the option of an integrated TBC ).
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I own a 2010 so I'm sure it's different from a 2009 but I bought the factory brake controller from ford and installed it myself for $170 + tax. The only thing I had to do was take it back to the dealership so they could hook it up on the computer to load in the program that it is on the truck now. Maybe your 2009 is different but I don't see it being as different as some of the responses are on here. I also own a 2007 F250 Crewcab Diesel Lariat FX4 that has the factory brake controller and never had a problem with it. I guess its basically your own preference. My 2005 Expedition has an after market controller and I've never had a problem with it either.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 0
From: willow glenn
hey do you have the part# for the 2010 my dealer has to different ones and doesnt know witch one goes on my truck?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,006
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From: willow glenn
ok for thous who want to add the TBC the part number is AL3Z19H332AA.
its for the 2010 F-150 only not for the 2009 F-150
well thats what the dealer said to me so take it with a grain of salt. lol
i payed $150.00 and was told to come back when it is in and thay will flash it no cost other than 10 minutes out of my life lol.
i will do a write up when i get home Saturday and do it
:o 
sorry just alwas wanted to put all of those things in one thread lol
its for the 2010 F-150 only not for the 2009 F-150
well thats what the dealer said to me so take it with a grain of salt. lol
i payed $150.00 and was told to come back when it is in and thay will flash it no cost other than 10 minutes out of my life lol.
i will do a write up when i get home Saturday and do it
:o sorry just alwas wanted to put all of those things in one thread lol
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: with hubby
ok every one keeps talking adding a program to make it work. this can only be done at a dealer? why dose my hubby say he needs this brake thing for my parents trailer? is it becuse thay have one in there f-350 and he wants one, or is he telling me the truth and we need it?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,506
Likes: 6
From: Puyallup, WA
ok every one keeps talking adding a program to make it work. this can only be done at a dealer? why dose my hubby say he needs this brake thing for my parents trailer? is it becuse thay have one in there f-350 and he wants one, or is he telling me the truth and we need it?
If hubby is set on getting the factory controler, then yes, this is what he'll need to do..
OR, he can pick up a Prodigy brake controller for about $100 and get the Ford wiring harness for another $15, plug it in, mount the controller and be done..
It'll operate the trailer brakes just fine..
One thing I have to ask is if your folks are using an F350 to tow their trailer, I'd have to wonder if your F150 is going to be able to pull it (safely)??
Mitch
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 80
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From: with hubby
Mitch my dad (x-trucker) tells me ill be fine. i just cant speed up a mountain like he can.
i will ask him about the safety, is that the chains your asking about it dose have two of them in the front of the trailer and think thay tie up on my truck somehow.
i will ask him about the safety, is that the chains your asking about it dose have two of them in the front of the trailer and think thay tie up on my truck somehow.