2021 Ford F-150 Owners Manual - Integrated Trailer Brake Controller

Integrated Trailer Brake Controller

The trailer brake controller assists in smooth and effective trailer braking based on the towing vehicle’s brake pressure.

Only use the manual control lever for proper adjustment of the gain during trailer setup. Misuse, such as application during trailer sway, could cause instability of trailer or tow vehicle.

Avoid towing in adverse weather conditions. The trailer brake controller does not provide anti-lock control of the trailer wheels. Trailer wheels can lock up on slippery surfaces, resulting in reduced stability of trailer and tow vehicle.

The trailer brake controller is only a factory-installed or dealer-installed item. Ford is not responsible for warranty or performance of the controller due to misuse or customer installation.

Note: Do not attempt removal of the trailer brake controller without consulting the Workshop Manual. Damage to the unit may result.

Make sure the trailer brakes are in good working condition, functioning normally and properly adjusted. See your trailer dealer if necessary.

Note: An authorized dealer can diagnose the trailer brake controller to determine exactly which trailer fault has occurred. Your vehicle warranty does not cover issues with your trailer.

Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to the trailer manufacturer's instructions.

Note: Select default mode if the trailer has surge brakes, or no brakes at all. The system has no effect on the braking performance of the trailer in either of these cases.

Note: If a trailer is connected by a four-pin connector, the trailer braking function will not be supported.

When you plug in a trailer with electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes, a message confirming connection appears in the information display.

Use the gain adjustment to find the desired starting point. A gain setting of

6.0 is a good starting point for heavier loads.

Note: Use the following steps to adjust the gain setting whenever road, weather and trailer, or vehicle loading conditions, change from when you initially set the gain.

In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry, level surface and squeeze the manual control lever completely.

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6. If the trailer wheels lock up, indicated by squealing tires, reduce the gain setting. If the trailer wheels turn freely, increase the gain setting. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until the gain setting is at a point just below trailer wheel lock-up. If towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheel lock-up may not be attainable even with the maximum gain setting of 10.

Note: Only perform this procedure at speeds of approximately 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h).

Note: The trailer brake controller reduces output at vehicle speeds below 11 mph

(18 km/h) so that trailer and vehicle braking is not jerky or harsh. This feature is only available when applying the brakes using your vehicle's brake pedal, not the

controller.

Note: Your vehicle's brake system and the trailer brake system work independently of each other. Changing the gain setting on the

Increase or decrease the amount of gain in set increments.

Slide the control to engage the trailer brakes.

controller does not affect the operation of

your vehicle's brakes whether you attach a trailer or not.

Note: With the proper electrical connection, pressing your vehicle brake pedal or using the manual control lever illuminates both trailer and vehicle brake lamps.

Note: When you switch the engine off, the controller output is disabled and the display and module shut down. The controller module and display turn on when you switch the ignition on.

Note: Adjust gain setting before using the trailer brake controller for the first time.

Note: The gain should be set to provide the maximum trailer braking assistance while making sure the trailer wheels do not lock when using the brakes. Locked trailer wheels may lead to trailer instability.

Note: Setting adjustments are saved when a trailer profile is selected.

Select the correct integrated trailer brake controller mode option using the touchscreen.

Note: Trailer brake gain settings are saved to the active trailer profile.

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Press Default for trailers with electromagnetic drum brake systems or press Electric over Hydraulic for trailers with electrically actuated hydraulic brake systems.

Press Save.

Select a setting for your trailer.

Note: The default value is Low and is the recommended setting for most trailers.

Select a different setting if your trailer's brakes require more initial voltage, or you prefer more aggressive trailer braking.

Press Save.

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– Frequently Asked Questions

A message displays accompanied by a single tone, when no trailer is connected. This indicates that the issue is between the trailer brake controller and the 7-pin connector at the bumper.

A message only displays with a trailer connected. Consult your trailer dealer for assistance.

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