Brake controller doesn't light up on my 06 Limited

[TowingExplorer]

I have a brake controller which I had previously used on a 2005 F-150. I placed it in my 06 Explorer Limited with V8 for my first time car hauling, the plugs did match without issue.

The little LED on it did not turn on. If I recall correctly, the light used to be on at all times and it would dim or blink when the brake was depressed.

All of my trailer lights do work. I am using the 7 wire harness. The brakes just don't seem to come on for the trailer.

I think that I may be the first one to tow with this Explorer as the inside of the class 3 was perfectly painted, so likely no other hitch has ever been inserted.

Can anyone suggest anything to check for this?

 

[MountaineerGreen]

You need to check your owners manual, often times you have to install a relay and or fuse to power the auxiliary power and brake controller. My 05 F150 has the relay(s) and wiring connector in a bag in the glove box.

 

[TowingExplorer]

You need to check your owners manual, often times you have to install a relay and or fuse to power the auxiliary power and brake controller. My 05 F150 has the relay(s) and wiring connector in a bag in the glove box.

Thanks for your response.

It confuses me as to why the factory would give you a connector and round trailer plug but not include everything to use them. Might as well have been a flat 4 pin connector.

I'll check the manual and see if I can find anything. Not sure if I have a manual as I bought the Explorer used, so I may need someone here to help me out if that is the case.

 

[FordLover]

Thanks for your response.

It confuses me as to why the factory would give you a connector and round trailer plug but not include everything to use them. Might as well have been a flat 4 pin connector.

I'll check the manual and see if I can find anything. Not sure if I have a manual as I bought the Explorer used, so I may need someone here to help me out if that is the case.

On my 2002, all I needed to do was plug into the harness behind the glove box, and mount my brake controler. Whatever fuse was needed must have already been installed from the factory. I bought the explorer new.

 

[BobWiersema]

This link may help.
http://www.etrailer.com/faq-fbc.aspx
I don't know if this applies to the Explorer but it helped me with the F-350.

 

[TowingExplorer]

Good news...?

Fuse 25 under the dash looks to be good.

Mini-relay 17 under the hood, however, looks bad. I've never seen that style fuse before, but it looks kind-of like a fuse with a clear cover and it's obvious broken.

So my thoughts are this.. I will buy three or so fuses to use as replacements. I will put one in right away and see if it pops. If it does, then I obviously have a short somewhere. If it doesn't, I'll hook up my brake controller. If it pops, then I will confirm it's wiring hasn't changed from the 05 F-150 to the 06 Explorer (I would hope Ford would use a different plug end if it did). If it doesn't, then I'll call it popped before I bought the Explorer from who knows what cause.

Edit - Does anyone know how to get those mini-relays out? I pulled on one with my fingers and had no luck. Do I just need to pull harder? I'm sure I'd break it with some needle nose pliers.

 

[TowingExplorer]

Mini-relay 17 under the hood, however, looks bad. I've never seen that style fuse before, but it looks kind-of like a fuse with a clear cover and it's obvious broken.

So my thoughts are this.. I will buy three or so fuses to use as replacements. I will put one in right away and see if it pops. If it does, then I obviously have a short somewhere. If it doesn't, I'll hook up my brake controller. If it pops, then I will confirm it's wiring hasn't changed from the 05 F-150 to the 06 Explorer (I would hope Ford would use a different plug end if it did). If it doesn't, then I'll call it popped before I bought the Explorer from who knows what cause.

Edit - Does anyone know how to get those mini-relays out? I pulled on one with my fingers and had no luck. Do I just need to pull harder? I'm sure I'd break it with some needle nose pliers.

Went to the dealer today and bought 3 fuses, just like I'd said I would above. Cost was ~$5.50 each.

The fuse does just pull out, no clips or anything.

Performed the steps I suggested above and the controller had no LED. I backed the Explorer up to the trailer and hooked it up and the LED lit up and the fuse didn't pop. I moved the manual brake activation slide on the controller and it turned from green to red. I had someone else listen to the brakes and they heard them activate.

So, for now, I guess I have this solved! The first actual towing will tell me for sure though.