question on brake controller wireing

Soundguy · Dec 3, 2006

I'm going to graft on a cheapy brake controller on my ford 5000. I've already got the relays for running power to it, and power / ground and brake power wire. Last line to run is the brake pickup / sense wire.

I'm going to use either a feeler switch or a magnetically coupled switch for the brake 'sensor'. My only question is this. The line from the back o fthe controller that is the brake sensor.. that normally hooks to the vehicle's brake switch line.. I'm running mine thru an improvised switch.. does it need to see battery power.. or does it need to be grounded?

thanks

Soundguy

johnk · Dec 3, 2006

Try this link...

Trailer Wiring

Heres another..

Marksrv.com 7 way wiring diagram page

Hope they help you..........

kennyd · Dec 4, 2006

I am pretty sure it needs to see +12 volts.

Soundguy · Dec 4, 2006

kennyd...Thanks for the info.

Also johnk, thanks for the links!

Soundguy

Farmwithjunk · Dec 4, 2006

Soundguy said:
I'm going to graft on a cheapy brake controller on my ford 5000. I've already got the relays for running power to it, and power / ground and brake power wire. Last line to run is the brake pickup / sense wire.

I'm going to use either a feeler switch or a magnetically coupled switch for the brake 'sensor'. My only question is this. The line from the back o fthe controller that is the brake sensor.. that normally hooks to the vehicle's brake switch line.. I'm running mine thru an improvised switch.. does it need to see battery power.. or does it need to be grounded?

thanks

Soundguy

The last couple trucks I've installed brake controllers in were pre-wired. Just plug and play! No need to think either! Going back to the last one I wired without the aid of factory installed plugs, the sense wire tied to the HOT wire curcuit going to the brake lights from brake light switch.

Soundguy · Dec 4, 2006

That seems to be the consensus. Now that I think about it.. i can just unplug the harness off the back of the brake controller in my truck, throw a meter ont he sensor wire and then hit my brake pedal.. but I think it's already answered.. etc.

thanks

Soundguy