Adding trailer brake controller to 2024 F-150 Lariat

[Nightshade]

@Nightshade ... I believe that the two part numbers in your photo are as follows.

Ford part number ML3Z-19H332-AB is for the 2023 and older F150 trailer brake controller “kit”.

I believe that kit contains a dash mounted Brake Switch and a Trailer Brake Control Module (TRM).

The TRM in that kit is NOT compatible with 2024 F150 models.

Ford part number RL3Z-19H332-A is the correct TRM for 2024 models.

It looks like they ordered the older “kit” just to get the dash mounted Brake Switch (ML3Z-14529-AC).

I would think that it would be easier / less expensive to order the Brake Switch on its own, rather than in the kit format.

I had previously documented this information, as I want to add the Trailer Brake Switch to my 2024 RCSB XL once it arrives. For whatever reason, the “Integrated Brake Controller” was not an option when ordering a 2024 RCSB - but was an available option on the RCLB model.

@Scotty M. Thank you! So which one would I be ordering and using to re-install the trailer brake controller back into the truck?

I know however for some of the Lariats out here, apparently there was a shortage and didn’t get the trailer brake controller but I do see everything else is there including the hitch, plugs in the back, etc.

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[Scotty M.]

@Nightshade ... my understanding of the process of adding the “Integrated Brake Controller” option (trailer brake controller) to a 2024 F150, is as follows:

1. follow instruction sheet SKML3J-19H332-AB for installation
2. install trailer brake switch service number ML3Z-14529-AC
3. install TRM service number RL3Z-19H332-A.
4. use the Ford Diagnostic Repair System (FDRS) to configure the components added to the vehicle

As a caveat, I have not done this yet, as my truck has not yet been built.

 

[starcommtrey1]

@Nightshade ... my understanding of the process of adding the “Integrated Brake Controller” option (trailer brake controller) to a 2024 F150, is as follows:

1. follow instruction sheet SKML3J-19H332-AB for installation
2. install trailer brake switch service number ML3Z-14529-AC
3. install TRM service number RL3Z-19H332-A.
4. use the Ford Diagnostic Repair System (FDRS) to configure the components added to the vehicle

As a caveat, I have not done this yet, as my truck has not yet been built.

My understanding was the RL3Z is already installed.

 

[Nightshade]

@Nightshade ... my understanding of the process of adding the “Integrated Brake Controller” option (trailer brake controller) to a 2024 F150, is as follows:

1. follow instruction sheet SKML3J-19H332-AB for installation
2. install trailer brake switch service number ML3Z-14529-AC
3. install TRM service number RL3Z-19H332-A.
4. use the Ford Diagnostic Repair System (FDRS) to configure the components added to the vehicle

As a caveat, I have not done this yet, as my truck has not yet been built.

Thank you! I wonder if I should get the dealer to do this, not because I can’t do FDRS—I can and have access but just don’t have the time for it. I remember in the previous ones it was as simple as just changing the value in FORScan and was done, simple and easy!

 

[Nightshade]

My understanding was the RL3Z is already installed.

I will check on that module when I pick it up tomorrow/Wednesday. I’ve been hearing the module is already there and just needed the brake controller part then a simple FORScan change, should work?

 

[starcommtrey1]

I will check on that module when I pick it up tomorrow/Wednesday. I’ve been hearing the module is already there and just needed the brake controller part then a simple FORScan change, should work?

Thats what my dealer told me. Im going to try and activate mine tonite.

 

[HammaMan]

My understanding was the RL3Z is already installed.

Different TRM part numbers for trucks w/ tow package vs trucks w/out so I wouldn't be expecting to add the gain control and have it work.

 

[Nightshade]

Thats what my dealer told me. Im going to try and activate mine tonite.

Perfect! Please update this thread once you’ve done it tonight! Would love to hear how it went and everything.

@HammaMan — You’re right, sometimes could be just a dummy module in place for it.

 

[HammaMan]

Perfect! Please update this thread once you’ve done it tonight! Would love to hear how it went and everything.

@HammaMan — You’re right, sometimes could be just a dummy module in place for it.

It's not a dummy module, it still controls all of the functions of the 7 pin / 4 pin, just not the brakes.

 

[Nightshade]

It's not a dummy module, it still controls all of the functions of the 7 pin / 4 pin, just not the brakes.

Ohhh didn’t know that!

Only said it because I know my 2024 Explorer ST for handsfree liftgate (by foot) had a module but didn’t work “deleted feature”; pulled it out and said “dummy” on it lol. Changed it to the correct one, simple FORScan changes and worked perfectly as it should’ve been.

 

[patrickoneal]

I've successfully installed several OEM brake controllers in older F150s in our fleet, but I'm currently attempting it on a 2024 STX we just purchased. I was able to get the switch for the dash off eBay(which is currently on nationwide backorder) and the module called out in the TSB.

On another forum several people have attempted to DIY this with Forscan, and simply backed up the old trailer brake module, installed the new module, and then restored the backup to the new module and enabled the brake controller in IPC. This apparently does not work. Every case I've seen ends with a trip to the dealer to program it and get the gain control working.

Our STX is a 4x4, with the electronic locking diff as the only option added. I found an identical truck on cargurus, but with the factory installed brake controller, and grabbed the asbuilt files from Ford and compared them to our truck. There are small differences in the IPC, which is expected and Forscan can probably handle that with the user friendly macros to "turn on" the trailer brake controller. The TRM(trailer module), however, has a ton of differences in the asbuilt data. On the Forscan spreadsheet, all these bits in the TRM enable/disable all sorts of DTCs. I suspect this is why other people can't get it to work. If you just restore the same TRM data from the old module, none of this will be enabled. On top of that, comparing the asbuilts from a truck with and without the factory brake controller might not even be the correct way to go about this if the truck with the OEM brake controller is using a different TRM altogether the bits may be totally different.

If nobody else figures it out, I'll make a full backup of our 2024 STX, send it to the dealer for installation and programming, and then make a new backup to see what bits Ford is changing.

 

[HammaMan]

I've successfully installed several OEM brake controllers in older F150s in our fleet, but I'm currently attempting it on a 2024 STX we just purchased. I was able to get the switch for the dash off eBay(which is currently on nationwide backorder) and the module called out in the TSB.

On another forum several people have attempted to DIY this with Forscan, and simply backed up the old trailer brake module, installed the new module, and then restored the backup to the new module and enabled the brake controller in IPC. This apparently does not work. Every case I've seen ends with a trip to the dealer to program it and get the gain control working.

Our STX is a 4x4, with the electronic locking diff as the only option added. I found an identical truck on cargurus, but with the factory installed brake controller, and grabbed the asbuilt files from Ford and compared them to our truck. There are small differences in the IPC, which is expected and Forscan can probably handle that with the user friendly macros to "turn on" the trailer brake controller. The TRM(trailer module), however, has a ton of differences in the asbuilt data. On the Forscan spreadsheet, all these bits in the TRM enable/disable all sorts of DTCs. I suspect this is why other people can't get it to work. If you just restore the same TRM data from the old module, none of this will be enabled. On top of that, comparing the asbuilts from a truck with and without the factory brake controller might not even be the correct way to go about this if the truck with the OEM brake controller is using a different TRM altogether the bits may be totally different.

If nobody else figures it out, I'll make a full backup of our 2024 STX, send it to the dealer for installation and programming, and then make a new backup to see what bits Ford is changing.

That's how I'd go about it if I didn't have FDRS on hand. The PMI for it doesn't even take 5 minutes.

 

[Nightshade]

I've successfully installed several OEM brake controllers in older F150s in our fleet, but I'm currently attempting it on a 2024 STX we just purchased. I was able to get the switch for the dash off eBay(which is currently on nationwide backorder) and the module called out in the TSB.

On another forum several people have attempted to DIY this with Forscan, and simply backed up the old trailer brake module, installed the new module, and then restored the backup to the new module and enabled the brake controller in IPC. This apparently does not work. Every case I've seen ends with a trip to the dealer to program it and get the gain control working.

Our STX is a 4x4, with the electronic locking diff as the only option added. I found an identical truck on cargurus, but with the factory installed brake controller, and grabbed the asbuilt files from Ford and compared them to our truck. There are small differences in the IPC, which is expected and Forscan can probably handle that with the user friendly macros to "turn on" the trailer brake controller. The TRM(trailer module), however, has a ton of differences in the asbuilt data. On the Forscan spreadsheet, all these bits in the TRM enable/disable all sorts of DTCs. I suspect this is why other people can't get it to work. If you just restore the same TRM data from the old module, none of this will be enabled. On top of that, comparing the asbuilts from a truck with and without the factory brake controller might not even be the correct way to go about this if the truck with the OEM brake controller is using a different TRM altogether the bits may be totally different.

If nobody else figures it out, I'll make a full backup of our 2024 STX, send it to the dealer for installation and programming, and then make a new backup to see what bits Ford is changing.

Looks like this is more of a pain than I thought lol.

I know Ford will eventually come out with the proper trailer controller kit, which I think most people will wait for tbh.

Send it to the dealer—do you just get the 2 parts you mentioned in the photo and just tell the service department you’d want the trailer brake controller installed? How much does it run if they do it, with labour included give or take?

 

[HammaMan]

Looks like this is more of a pain than I thought lol.

I know Ford will eventually come out with the proper trailer controller kit, which I think most people will wait for tbh.

Send it to the dealer—do you just get the 2 parts you mentioned in the photo and just tell the service department you’d want the trailer brake controller installed? How much does it run if they do it, with labour included give or take?

They should make it an accessory and if it's on the site they often include a cheap pre-pay labor rate to make it easy so you just take it to the dealer it was shipped to and get it taken care of. They just take forever to get parts like that up and ready to go.

 

[Nightshade]

They should make it an accessory and if it's on the site they often include a cheap pre-pay labor rate to make it easy so you just take it to the dealer it was shipped to and get it taken care of. They just take forever to get parts like that up and ready to go.

Exactly my thoughts, would be a whole alot easier this way. I think I’m going to hold off on installing the trailer brake controller until they release an accessory kit, which shouldn’t be too long even if they’re backordered. But if I do get impatient, I will just get the 2 parts needed and bring it in at the service appt when I go in for 5k service.

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