Lariat SR & Ford In-Dash Brake Controller

[Dan_G_Lightning]

Hello, Lightnings!

My name's Dan, new '22 Lightning Lariat SR owner as of about 4 weeks ago.

My Lightning came with only the following options:

EQUIPMENT GROUP 510A
LINER-TRAY STYLE-W/CARPET MAT
FORD CO-PILOT360 ACTIVE 2.0
BEDLINER-TOUGHBED SPRAYIN*ACCY

No tow package to speak of (Lariat included?), but the truck has the 4 / 7-pin hookup in the back and the Class 4 hitch. But it does not have the brake controller in the dash- I have the coin slot.

In the driver's side door pocket was a trailer brake pigtail, part # FL3T-14A348-AA with 4 pin-outs. "No problem," I thought to myself- "A $27 Curt brake controller, solder & heat shrink it up, go under the dash, and plug it in. Easy, right?" Wrong.

I pulled the column cover off, went up there to find the pigtail connector, and nothing.

But I pulled the coin slot and found the 4-pin in-dash controller hookup:

Here's where things get weird. I said "Ok, fine- I'll get the Ford In-Dash Brake Controller, like this one from the Fairway Ebay Store":

https://www.ebay.com/itm/185661533380

Except it comes with the brake controller module. But it seems I already have it:

The Fairway Parts guy insists I need the full kit in order to enable the brake controller. I say, because I already have the module, I just need the switch.

Any insight would be helpful here. If I have to modify the code via ForScan to enable the controller it appears I already have, I will. I just don't see the point in replacing a perfectly good module unless I have to.

Thanks!

 

[Bmann]

I did the same thing. I have a XLT ER with Max Tow, but without the tow technology package. I bought a ford in dash trailer brake controller from an ICE truck from ebay. I compared the part number on my under dash module to someone else’s XLT truck with a Tow Tech package and the part number is the same. I bought a Forscan connector and I’m starting it research what settings I need to change.

 

[Dan_G_Lightning]

I did the same thing. I have a XLT ER with Max Tow, but without the tow technology package. I bought a ford in dash trailer brake controller from an ICE truck from ebay.

You bought the controller box, the in-dash switch, or both from an ICE F-150? I see the in-dash switches on Ebay for $130+, and figured if I'm already out that much, I'd better just get the "official" kit including the control module from Ford for maximum chance everything just "works". Wishful thinking.

If I end up having to FORScan it, I will. It's just a computer with wheels.

 

[mattb]

I did the same thing. I have a XLT ER with Max Tow, but without the tow technology package. I bought a ford in dash trailer brake controller from an ICE truck from ebay. I compared the part number on my under dash module to someone else’s XLT truck with a Tow Tech package and the part number is the same. I bought a Forscan connector and I’m starting it research what settings I need to change.

i'd love to hear about it when you get it to work!

 

[dovetaildan]

Except it comes with the brake controller module. But it seems I already have it:

Any update on if you got the trailer brake controller working?

I saw an older 2021 install guide online here that seems to indicate replacing the stock module with one that is part of a trailer brake controller kit as required. https://www.levittownfordparts.com/docs/ML3Z-19H332-AA.pdf

 

[mattb]

i just got this note from my dealer. seems like a lot if the parts kit is around $200.

I checked with our parts department, and it does look like we can order you the trailer brake control kit. It is $613.50+tax installed.

 

[Dan_G_Lightning]

i just got this note from my dealer. seems like a lot if the parts kit is around $200.

I checked with our parts department, and it does look like we can order you the trailer brake control kit. It is $613.50+tax installed.

The "official" kit is part number ML3Z-19H332-AB and the price should be $239.60 actual. Your price may vary from your parts supplier.

The installation is literally 10 minutes- The switch in the dash is a plug and click, and the module is two connectors and two 8mm bolts. I don't believe that anyone with basic tools and a picture guide (thanks dovetaildan) can't accomplish. I have a problem with paying someone the balance of your number to R&R two bolts and three clips.

The remaining unknown is the necessity of the FORScan or dealer tool to "enable" the new TCM and switch on a truck whose ASBUILT does not include it. Ideally, the new TCM would "advertise" itself as able to control the brake controller, and the other modules would just let it. This may be the reason for the high dealer price- Enablement with the other modules.

My controller part number above is still on backorder. I have not yet received it to attempt.

 

[RickLightning]

The "official" kit is part number ML3Z-19H332-AB and the price should be $239.60 actual. Your price may vary from your parts supplier.

The installation is literally 10 minutes- The switch in the dash is a plug and click, and the module is two connectors and two 8mm bolts. I don't believe that anyone with basic tools and a picture guide (thanks dovetaildan) can't accomplish. I have a problem with paying someone the balance of your number to R&R two bolts and three clips.

The remaining unknown is the necessity of the FORScan or dealer tool to "enable" the new TCM and switch on a truck whose ASBUILT does not include it. Ideally, the new TCM would "advertise" itself as able to control the brake controller, and the other modules would just let it. This may be the reason for the high dealer price- Enablement with the other modules.

My controller part number above is still on backorder. I have not yet received it to attempt.

Given that ICE F-150s require the dealer or FORScan to enable it, why would the Lightning be different?

 

[Dan_G_Lightning]

Given that ICE F-150s require the dealer or FORScan to enable it, why would the Lightning be different?

Boooooooooo.

As I said before- Wishful thinking.

 

[Blochead21]

Any knowledge on how to add in pro trailer backup if it wasn’t included on the as built?

 

[mattb]

thanks for the update.

 

[Gabe]

Hi, I have a XLT ER w Max Tow pakage. I was very disapointed when I discovered that the brake controller was not included with Tow pkg. I ordered one via my dealership but the device is BO for looooooooog. So we (my dealership!) tried to order a controler a generation before... They look the same. They got it installed but it doesn't work... They got in touch with a ford engineer that replied that it wasn't possible - for now - to get a brake controller installed on my truck... which s*ck.

 

[mattb]

hi. has anyone gotten this to work yet?

 

[Dan_G_Lightning]

hi. has anyone gotten this to work yet?

I am STILL waiting on the brake controller kit from Ford. They are still backordered everywhere (can't even find them on Ebay at this point). Expected to arrive later this week or early next.

I will update with everything I do to make this work.

 

[Blochead21]

I wonder if it’s in stock from Ford on eBay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1754444122...E6EpsctSQS&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

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