Brake controller question

[infernobuster]

Does anyone know if i can buy an aftermarket brake controller and install it as easily as the one Ford sells?

I heard its a simple job .. but you have to get Ford to flash the computer as well once it is installed .. any truth to that ?

My understanding is the plug is behind the coin tray directly below the 4 wheel drive control knob.

[SKRWZ]

Check out www.etrailer.com (http://www.etrailer.com) they have all kinds of controller's and wiring harness to make it all plug and play http://www.etrailer.com/bc-2009_Ford_F-150.htm

[Bates88]

Go with the Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller.
One of the nicest ones out there.
Never heard of having to flash the computer for the controller.
We've done a lot of these but not to many on the 09 as of yet.
Controller > pigtail (probably in your glove box/console) > wire to truck > good to go!

[Soundman]

I have herd that the connector is behind the coin tray, took my dash apart on my 2010 to find out it has been relacated under the dash along the harnes. The ford controller requires programing because it interacts with you dash computer, if you install an aftermake like the prodigy no programing required. I went with the prodigy 200$ vs the 500$ ford one. It works awesome, dont forgot to install the 2 fuses suplyed with the harness.

[puravidadon]

I bought the ford controller. It was more than double an aftermarket one, but I felt that it would do a better job since it's integrated into the whole braking system. There's places in the US where you can buy your own and install it and get the dealer to set it up. I haven't towed a trailer yet so can't tell you how it will perform.

[speed4134]

Hi, first time posting here.

I bought the controller trough Tasca parts, Their price ( including exchange, delivery end customs fee ) is less than half what my dealership quoted me.

I paid 168$, + 23 shipping and customs fee.....took about 10 days to get delivered.
I installed it myself ( using instructions provided with adapter that came with the truck) in about 45 minutes.....realy taking my time making sure i didn't break anything in the process!!.
Than took it to my local dealership to get it programmed.....charged me 23$ for that.
So, all in all, cost 214$....instead of almost 600$ they originally quoted me!
A little more expensive and complicated than aftermarket tcb, but looks great in dash, info on message center, and no holes drilled in dash plastic

[speed4134]

forgot to mention that 2010 uses different model tcb
2009 had integrated lights....2010 uses message center for information display.

so part number for 2010 is AL3Z-19H332-AA

link to tasca parts

http://www.tascaparts.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=searchCatalogOEM&siteid=213668

[speed4134]

oh, and while at it, one last thing i forgot to mention is while you have the dash and console dissasembled, you should go ahead and do the '' hidden usb mod''.
Instead of having the 2nd usb routed to the glove box, i ran the wire through the center console, and put the connector in there, that way, my ipod is permenantly connected to sync system, with no wire showing.

note : you'll have to pry the wire through a small gap at the bottom of the center console....so no drilling is needed, even if it's a little tight fit .
i put mine right next to the 12v adapter located at the bottom right front of the console.

Cost = about 10$ for a 6 foot mini usb male to usb male cable +
5$ for female/female adapter ( i don't know if mini usb male to usb female exists...didn't find one at the store)
time = about 5 minutes since i had the console already dissasembled .

All you have to do then, is ''talk to sync'' and say you want to use ''usb 2'', you'll notice that ''usb 2 is not listed if you use the manual menu on the radio.