wires for trailer brake controller '24 Ranger?

[jedadiah]

Thanks for the update. What a bunch of horse crap if they are able to state it can tow 7500lbs and not offer oem tbc. Seems like false advertising to me as any tow over 3500 is a lot safer with trailer brakes. I did not see this connector last night so will check again but they really need to offer a tbc for any truck with a factory tow package. It still bothers me they sell even these “trucks” without any tow package.

I agree that a TBC should be included or an easy upgrade, but there are a lot of trailers with surge brakes out there, which don't require a TBC.

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[RangerDangerStranger]

If you have the Basic tow package, you have the factory 7pin conn. I want to know where each one of thos wires goes.
If you don't care about AEB or adaptive CC, a Radarc aftermarket TBC ought to be a pretty simple install, once we track down all the wires from the 7 pin. If you want those 2 thing operational, I'll bet Ford will oblige you in a few months to a year. I just want to track down the wires, I'm fine w/o AEB and ACC. I want to be able to Tow the full rated weight. Anybody have any luck with the 7 pin to terminaton wire diagram?

 

[RangerDangerStranger]

BTW: I do not reccomend you use this information to install a controler. If you do so, you do so at your own risk entirely. Doing so may result in your death. Please be aware of this.

Analysis Complete.

Using your Data, this is the skinny. 99% confidense. this is a long one-

I'm going to post some stuff in order then explain. This is mostly your data, except my last test and some pics, Strap in and get your popcorn!

Valid for Basic Tow package only.

First, the Grey Conn, the pinout diagram shows it 100% Correct
the wiring diagram, which is for a truck with the installed controller is a bit different.
Pin #12 is actually Blk to Gnd, as on the pin out, It shows it feed the Org in the 7 pin but that is actually fee by the blk conn pin 12.

Next the Blk connector
It's correct as to the wires that are actually in it. The 3 wires that are not, are in the New connector discovered by Helena-Disapointed, that was key. This conn has the CanBuss (2 wires) on it and a power and the Power circiut for the 7pin- the Org wire.
the Conn pin out is is correct for the 4 wires in it, and colors
The Diagram is mostly correct, except what is marked Gnd is actually Org power wire "Charging" out to the 7 pin.

Now, to the new 'Secret' Connector, ie: the TBC connector
It's Tie-wrapped just under the module as decribed, it has A Gnd, a Power, THE BLUE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL WIRE, and a grey/brn wire which a Brake signal wire from the ECU. That would be from the Blk Conn diagram, pin10. Colors match up.



The Trailer Brake controller Stand Alone Connector:

So that's all of the 7 pin wires accounted for, and where they go.

With a brake signal, If you trurn off your AEB and ACC you could run a aftermarket controller i believe.

BTW: I do not reccomend you use this information to install a controler. If you do so, you do so at your own risk entirely. Doing so may result in your death. Please be aware of this.


We have continuity!!!

 

[RangerDangerStranger]

Analysis Complete.

Using your Data, this is the skinny. 99% confidense. this is a long one-

I'm going to post some stuff in order then explain. this is mostly your data, except my last test and some pics, Strap in and get your popcorn!

Hi Rangerdangerstranger: Do you know if an added TBC gets wired (or plugged) into the TRM? Thanks.

Edit**NO, It looks like it stands along, generating only the brake signal. No need for it to plug into the TRM. the rest of the wires to the 7 pin, (and 4 pin- it's wired in paralell at the bumper ) are accounted for. How ever there's that pesky Brake signal, How is it derived? I think it somehow comes from the Gry/Org (looks brn) pin 12 on the TBC connector. There are the differences between the advanced Tow package and the basic Tow package we have, as noted above. So Will a ford one plug and play? Can't say for sure, but it looks like all the stuff is there, and all that's missing is a controler pluged in to that connector.

EDIT: It looks like if you got the advance Tow, the TBC is integrated into the TRM, I say this because the wires would be in the Black conn going to the TRM, as in the Blk conn pin out.

Again, Use this information entirely AT YOUR OWN RISK!

sorry have to add that!

 

[Jason B]

The Ford authorized TBC for 5G is the same as the RedArc, but with that added module that integrates a signal from the brake lights to ensure trailer brakes are applied in AEB. Ford stated that
the reason for this was that during AEB, there is no brake signal from the brake switch until you actually depress the pedal. I've had the Pre-collision warning go off, and instincts had me hitting the brakes in a split second.
I'm 75% sure it would work the in a 6G.
The only unknown is what's different with 5G and 6G.
If anyone worders, this is the 5G TBC kit.
And this is the procedure for installation. It's pretty involved, because Ford requires the AEB signal from the 3rd brake light. That signal can be found elsewhere, but no way Ford would allow techs to splice into existing wires.

 

[RangerDangerStranger]

That signal has to come from under the dash somewhere, you could trace it on the diagrams and tap it pretty eaisly. forget taking 1/2 the interior apart for a simple tap.

On another note, after giving it some thought, it looks like all the wires in the 7 pin are fully functional from the TRM- as built from the factory, except the Trailer Brake wire. But Ford did us a favor, as they broke that out in the TBC Connector, lt even has a nice Power and Ground in it too, So all we would need is just a controller that can handle the AEB.

Again, Use this information entirely AT YOUR OWN RISK!

 

[Jason B]

Yes, you could get a brake signal form any of the brake light wires to activate the TBC, as long as it's truly a brake signal, not an interrupted brake for turn signals. If you did it this way, you wouldn't need the Lumen module at all. The TBC doesn't care if it gets a signal from the brake pedal or a brake light.
The problem with Ford's original design in the 5G, is there is no AEB signal coming from the brake pedal switch, so they have to get the AEB signal from another place. Some 5G owners spliced and tapped into the CHMSL wire under the dash.
The official Ford procedure is for Ford techs. Ford, and probably other makers, would not allow a
tech to cut and splice into existing wires, so they ran the AEB signal wire to the CHMSL.

 

[Hootbro]

Yeah, if I have to tap for a clean brake signal, it is going to be the CHMSL signal wire coming right off the BCM under the dash. I am not going to go up top like the 5G instructions say inside the cabin at the actual CHMSL as that is making it more difficult than it has to be.

 

[Helena-disappointed]

Yeah, if I have to tap for a clean brake signal, it is going to be the CHMSL signal wire coming right off the BCM under the dash. I am not going to go up top like the 5G instructions say inside the cabin at the actual CHMSL as that is making it more difficult than it has to be.

Hi JasonB & Stranger:
I'm not at all familiar with vehicle wiring, so please bear with me. I've talked with my Ford dealer's service chief, & he is concerned that using the wired plug provided in the truck by Ford to connect a TBC could disable AEB while towing & cause backflow current that could damage the BCM. He has tried to research this issue, & has communicated with his tech people in his dealer group (many dealerships owned by same holding co). I think he's also talked w Ford texh folks. He has also talked w Tekonsha tech. He hasn't received definitive answers. He's read these posts & thinks Stranger knows what he's writing about. He says he wouldn't install a Tekonsha w/o a diode to prevent backflow.
I was originally hoping I could just wire or plug a TCM into existing wiring or use the supplied plug. I don't feel capable of tapping into other sources or installing diodes.
Do you think it is likely that a local professional installer will be able to do those things competently & safely?

Thanks!

 

[Helena-disappointed]

well, i wouldn't connect the grey/org (looks brn) wire from the TBC connector to anything. Looks like it might be a como buss line. as far as current backflow, i am assuming he's talking about the CHMSL signal from the BCM. looks like it's driven by a FET Transistor, top side being at 12V. doesn't appear to be a sensor on the line.. no backflow would be possible, And that's going into the input of your aftermarket TBC. don't see an issue with that. But, if you have the interior LED lights, I do see a floating issue on that sensor line, it may be that you would have to install a resistor around the lamp, something like a 10k. To give that line a ground when it's not active. I think that's how I install mine, but, I wouldn't install anybody else's that way because I don't have the confidence in it, For someone else. I'm betting Ford will have a solution sooner rather later and it'll be plug and play, into that connector. So my thought on it? I think it's too early To do the install at this point, and have high confidence that it'll be error free.

Thank you, Stranger!

 

[Helena-disappointed]

Hi Stranger,

Would you please explain why you wouldn’t use the gray/org line? Would you use the supplied TBC connector, or the wires from the truck that are attached to it, at all?

Thanks again,

Norm

 

[RangerDangerStranger]

Hi Stranger,

Would you please explain why you wouldn’t use the gray/org line? Would you use the supplied TBC connector, or the wires from the truck that are attached to it, at all?

Thanks again,

Norm

Let me just clear up my background. I am an 30 year Electronics repair tech. I've also done some design work. However i am not an expert on Automobile electronics and software or know any Ford Engineers. If you Trace the origin of the Grey black wire from the plans from the black connector- It's called LIN buss. If you google Lin buss, it says it's a non critical Communication buss used in Autos, as opposed to the Can buss, which is the critical Communcations buss for all your Nodes, like the BCM, ECU, Etc. I am assuming Ford put it there the use as a way to Signal the Brake signal. But we don't have the ability to talk to Ford's LIN buss. It's a data line. I also think that because there's no Brake signal in the TBC connector.
So, what does a TBC need- Power, Ground, Output and Brake signal. What does the 7 pin Need? It has everyting it needs. In order to work we just need a brake signal to the TBC. what i drew up would work, super simple ans speced right for the power it would get. As far as the connector end goes, i think it could be used if we could source pins and the correct crimper for them. If not, it will have to be cut off. Hope this helps. If Ford doesn't come up with a plug and play in 6 mos to a year, I'll probably do this. That said, this is purely experimental. i think it would work, But Again, Use this information entirely AT YOUR OWN RISK! I'm happy risking my life, but not yours.
Like i said, that connector makes me think Ford will have a solution out pretty soon. IF you MUST tow NOW then if you cut the connector off, leave 2-3 inches of wire where you cut. It could be butt spliced back in if Ford releases a plug and play. And change the compoenents to a 1N4004 diode and a 1 Watt 4.7k resister. Cheers!

 

[Helena-disappointed]

Thank you!

Norm

 

[Helena-disappointed]

Let me just clear up my background. I am an 30 year Electronics repair tech. I've also done some design work. However i am not an expert on Automobile electronics and software or know any Ford Engineers. If you Trace the origin of the Grey black wire from the plans from the black connector- It's called LIN buss. If you google Lin buss, it says it's a non critical Communication buss used in Autos, as opposed to the Can buss, which is the critical Communcations buss for all your Nodes, like the BCM, ECU, Etc. I am assuming Ford put it there the use as a way to Signal the Brake signal. But we don't have the ability to talk to Ford's LIN buss. It's a data line. I also think that because there's no Brake signal in the TBC connector.
So, what does a TBC need- Power, Ground, Output and Brake signal. What does the 7 pin Need? It has everyting it needs. In order to work we just need a brake signal to the TBC. what i drew up would work, super simple ans speced right for the power it would get. As far as the connector end goes, i think it could be used if we could source pins and the correct crimper for them. If not, it will have to be cut off. Hope this helps. If Ford doesn't come up with a plug and play in 6 mos to a year, I'll probably do this. That said, this is purely experimental. i think it would work, But Again, Use this information entirely AT YOUR OWN RISK! I'm happy risking my life, but not yours.
Like i said, that connector makes me think Ford will have a solution out pretty soon. IF you MUST tow NOW then if you cut the connector off, leave 2-3 inches of wire where you cut. It could be butt spliced back in if Ford releases a plug and play. And change the compoenents to a 1N4004 diode and a 1 Watt 4.7k resister. Cheers!

I chkd the Monroney Label and sticker, & believe I don't have interior LED lights. You referred to them in an over post; what does that mean for wiring of a TBC, please?

Helena

 

[RangerDangerStranger]

I chkd the Monroney Label and sticker, & believe I don't have interior LED lights. You referred to them in an over post; what does that mean for wiring of a TBC, please?

Helena

Found to be incorrect- there is voltage to the TBC blue wire.

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