2014 --who has had dealer install factory electronic brake controller?

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jmden

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This part was about $170 I believe at fordparts.com and the dealer quoted me $358 to install. What possibly should cost me approx. $190 for installation?

How difficult is it to install one of these factory units?

AND, does anyone have experience with good aftermarket units vs. the factory unit? I don't want to put a bunch of $ into the factory unit and find out it's not nearly as good as a good aftermarket unit that costs alot less.

Experiences...? Thoughts?
 
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jmden

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BTW, I have the factory 4 flat pin at the rear and attached to that wiring is a blunt end blue wire that says
brake controller on it, so it would appear that there's a brake controller line already run up to the front.
 

montecarlo31

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I used a P3 for years prior to vehicles being equipped with them (and still do in one old truck). Truthfully I find less fault with the brake controls and more fault with the trailer builders and their wiring or lack there of. The biggest issues I've had with a lack of trailer braking was related to the trailer wiring harness. I've replaced a few with improved grounding and wiring with great results! What I am getting at if you install a good quality aftermarket brake controller you will be fine and pocket the extra money. Having towed with mine I did not see any gains of the factory units versus a quality aftermarket unit.

If you are set on installing one I would buy the part and install it yourself. it doesn't appears to be anything technical simply plug and play. Maybe it will require an updated to the BCM/ECM but otherwise appears plug and play.
 

ludlow

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I think you'd be better off with an after market controller. I had one on the 2007 I had and it had a pigtail that plugged into the factory harness. Easy install.
https://www.etrailer.com/bc-2014_Ford_Expedition.htm

Do you have only the flat four connector? I don't believe that has connectors for the brake controller. I think you need the 7 pin connector to have brake controller functionality. My 2014 with the builting controller has both, and the 2007 has both as well even though it was not equiped with the factory brake controller.
 

rollinstone

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Had an aftermarket controller installed by a shop that's in the business...about $350 for parts and labor. If you're good fishing wiring thru your Expy I say go for it. I just didn't want to bother and it was my first brake controller so was willing to pay for the expertise.
 
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jmden

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Ford brake controller was $170 and the little plastic trim piece that goes around it $139. Good grief. Just went through etrailer.com and got a Tekonsha P3 and associated wiring, etc. to do it. In the 2013 and 2014s the brake controller plug is right behind the dash panel where the radio and env. controls are. Pop off the little panel right below it first and you're good to go.
 
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