Think I got burned on Trailer TPMS Monitor with Camera and TPMS

[hokieinidaho]

Well, I'm a bit for a loss of words here. But here goes. Best case, someone can tell me I'm not out $1145. Worst-case, I am, but save someone else from being in the position I am.

Despite the price tag, I was excited at the prospect of an integrated add-on for trailer camera and the TPMS. Was logged into ford.com with my account, my VIN, etc. and saw that the item was an "exact fit" for my 2023 F-150. First attachment showing the "exact fit".

Despite the flags going off on a non-refundable purchase, I went ahead and purchased it. When it showed up, there were no instructions, other than instruction on how to get the instructions. Followed them, to no avail.

Started the ford.com chat process, which was somewhat concerning. With the warning to not enter any PII (personally identifiable information) in the chat dialog, I only entered my order number, but was soon asked for my mailing address and email address. Now, mind you, I work in Cyber Resilience and deal with this stuff all the time. The fact that their workflow has notice about PII but then their agents ask for you to enter PII, really brings into question their practices. After the back and forth, I finally submitted and gave in. With 20 seconds of having breached my own (and Ford's stated personal information practices), I was told they don't have instructions, that I'd have to call a dealer, or Ford e-commerce.

I call Ford e-commerce, and I got a very lovely lady that was trying her best to help me. At one point she gave me scripted directions to motorcraft, but before disconnecting I verified that the directions led nowhere, and she verified the same. Then she humored the same chat process with Ford.com, becoming increasingly frustrated herself, albeit a bit humored at the lunacy of the agents asking for the same info over and over in the course of our 40 minute phone call. She wrote the whole experience up, created a ticket, and said I'd be contacted in a few days.

While waiting to hear back, I managed to find the instructions on a forum post. In a sickening revelation, I find the following:

NOTE: Vehicle must be equipped with Front/Side/Rear view Camera (360 Camera) and Trailer TPMS/ Customer-Placed Trailer Camera DIO Prep Package for necessary vehicle wiring /software configuration to support these kits


And then a few days later, I hear back from Ford:

Thank you for contacting Ford Motor Company. After further review, we only have http://www.motorcraftservice.com/ for instructions on our accessories. We recommend that you visit your nearest dealer to see if they have any tips to install the F-150 2022-2025 Trailer TPMS Monitor with Camera and TPMS SKU: ML3Z1A189BE from your order FAE:xxxxxxxx​

​

If you have any additional questions, our Ford Parts and Accessories team is here to help. Please call us at 844-589-0060 or visit www.parts.ford.com and click on “Chat Now” at the bottom of the page. You may also email us at [email protected]. We are available Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST. Please do not reply to this email as your response may go unnoticed.​

​

In full transparency, I have not contacted my dealer yet. Maybe it's because I am not very encouraged, thinking that I'll get the "yeah, you gotta pay us to install this" or "yeah, your truck doesn't have 360, you're hosed".



I do have 2 family members with the same truck that do have the 360 option. I could gift them the package given they're a blessing to me. Maybe that's what's at work here - God turning this into a gift. I don't know. But the Ford customer engagement experience leaves a lot to be desired.

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[Buyer2021]

Well, I'm a bit for a loss of words here. But here goes. Best case, someone can tell me I'm not out $1145. Worst-case, I am,

What is your 2023 F150 trim level?

There are three areas to check on your truck for 'plug and play' support of the TPMS and trailer cam

1. Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC)
In order to support the TPMS you must have the menu sequence shown below available

If you don't have ^that^ your truck is not plug-and-play ready to support the trailer TPMS. There may be a fix using FORScan, but I can't help you with that.

2. Center Screen Display
In order to support the trailer cam you must have the following 'aux cam' button available on your center display

I'm not certain but ^that^ may require the 360-degree cam package (my truck pictured above has it). Again I can't help you if you don't find what's pictured above.

3. Rear Bumper Harness
For 'plug-and-play' support of trailer TPMS and cam you must have C439 as below and it must have at least 9 wires going into it

If your connector C439 has less than 9 wires, that can be overcome with a harness swap' see this thread for more info (link is to my post, the specific harness PN / solution for you may be elsewhere in the thread).

I'm sorry if you've been misled but hope the above helps in some way. Good Luck!

 

[rxsamg]

What is your 2023 F150 trim level?

There are three areas to check on your truck for 'plug and play' support of the TPMS and trailer cam

1. Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC)
In order to support the TPMS you must have the following menu sequence shown below available

If you don't have ^that^ your truck is not plug-and-play ready to support the trailer TPMS. There may be a fix using FORScan, but I can't help you with that.

2. Center Screen Display
In order to support the trailer cam you must have the following 'aux cam' button available on your center display

I'm not certain but ^that^ may require the 360-degree cam package (my truck pictured above has it). Again I can't help you if you don't find what's pictured above.

3. Rear Bumper Harness
For 'plug-and-play' support of trailer TPMS and cam you must have C439 as below and it must have at least 9 wires going into it

If your connector C439 has less than 9 wires, that can be overcome with a harness swap' see this thread for more info (link is to my post, the specific harness PN / solution for you may be elsewhere in the thread).

I'm sorry if you've been misled but hope the above helps in some way. Good Luck!

Pretty sure 360 cams are required to add this

 

[Tone]

Anything's returnable. Simply ship it back with a required signature by the addressee. Then deny the charge with your CC provider and prove the return. This item is unsuitable for your vehicle, and the description did not specify the additional requirements plus installation instructions are not readily available.


Let Ford and the CC provider battle it out.

 

[Camshaft]

Well, I'm a bit for a loss of words here. But here goes. Best case, someone can tell me I'm not out $1145. Worst-case, I am, but save someone else from being in the position I am.

Despite the price tag, I was excited at the prospect of an integrated add-on for trailer camera and the TPMS. Was logged into ford.com with my account, my VIN, etc. and saw that the item was an "exact fit" for my 2023 F-150. First attachment showing the "exact fit".

Despite the flags going off on a non-refundable purchase, I went ahead and purchased it. When it showed up, there were no instructions, other than instruction on how to get the instructions. Followed them, to no avail.

Started the ford.com chat process, which was somewhat concerning. With the warning to not enter any PII (personally identifiable information) in the chat dialog, I only entered my order number, but was soon asked for my mailing address and email address. Now, mind you, I work in Cyber Resilience and deal with this stuff all the time. The fact that their workflow has notice about PII but then their agents ask for you to enter PII, really brings into question their practices. After the back and forth, I finally submitted and gave in. With 20 seconds of having breached my own (and Ford's stated personal information practices), I was told they don't have instructions, that I'd have to call a dealer, or Ford e-commerce.

I call Ford e-commerce, and I got a very lovely lady that was trying her best to help me. At one point she gave me scripted directions to motorcraft, but before disconnecting I verified that the directions led nowhere, and she verified the same. Then she humored the same chat process with Ford.com, becoming increasingly frustrated herself, albeit a bit humored at the lunacy of the agents asking for the same info over and over in the course of our 40 minute phone call. She wrote the whole experience up, created a ticket, and said I'd be contacted in a few days.

While waiting to hear back, I managed to find the instructions on a forum post. In a sickening revelation, I find the following:

NOTE: Vehicle must be equipped with Front/Side/Rear view Camera (360 Camera) and Trailer TPMS/ Customer-Placed Trailer Camera DIO Prep Package for necessary vehicle wiring /software configuration to support these kits


And then a few days later, I hear back from Ford:

Thank you for contacting Ford Motor Company. After further review, we only have http://www.motorcraftservice.com/ for instructions on our accessories. We recommend that you visit your nearest dealer to see if they have any tips to install the F-150 2022-2025 Trailer TPMS Monitor with Camera and TPMS SKU: ML3Z1A189BE from your order FAE:xxxxxxxx​

​

If you have any additional questions, our Ford Parts and Accessories team is here to help. Please call us at 844-589-0060 or visit www.parts.ford.com and click on “Chat Now” at the bottom of the page. You may also email us at [email protected]. We are available Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST. Please do not reply to this email as your response may go unnoticed.​

​

In full transparency, I have not contacted my dealer yet. Maybe it's because I am not very encouraged, thinking that I'll get the "yeah, you gotta pay us to install this" or "yeah, your truck doesn't have 360, you're hosed".



I do have 2 family members with the same truck that do have the 360 option. I could gift them the package given they're a blessing to me. Maybe that's what's at work here - God turning this into a gift. I don't know. But the Ford customer engagement experience leaves a lot to be desired.

Hello hokieinidaho,
Thanks for posting your experience. I just paid Discount Tire $260 to install 315 MHZ TPMS in my trailer last week as well. I have a 2022, Platinum with the 360 camera.

I went to the dealer trying to see how to get the truck to sync to the trailer... All that I can find is, yes the kit you purchased... I have learned, after my expense, that I need the module and the wiring harness. However they only sell the kit with the 4 TPMS and the trailer camera as a package. Which is way more than I desire to spend but also more items than I need.

**No one can tell me the individual PN for the module and the harness.

If you are (or anyone else is) able too that would be fantastic? Please and Thank you! **

If I am successful I will share my results. I stumped the sales team, the service writers and technician on how to get the truck to read the trailer TPMS.

I have a 8.5 x 25 ft enclosed car hauler. The single camera in the kit does not help me. I went with Tadi Brothers camera system. I installed 4 cameras around the trailer. It is so, so for me.

I caught wind that the F-250 / 350 are better set up to support trailer TPMS. I am going to look into that as well. If anyone has insight there or direct experience, please let me know.

Thanks,
Cameren S.

 

[rxsamg]

Hello hokieinidaho,
Thanks for posting your experience. I just paid Discount Tire $260 to install 315 MHZ TPMS in my trailer last week as well. I have a 2022, Platinum with the 360 camera.

I went to the dealer trying to see how to get the truck to sync to the trailer... All that I can find is, yes the kit you purchased... I have learned, after my expense, that I need the module and the wiring harness. However they only sell the kit with the 4 TPMS and the trailer camera as a package. Which is way more than I desire to spend but also more items than I need.

**No one can tell me the individual PN for the module and the harness.

If you are (or anyone else is) able too that would be fantastic? Please and Thank you! **

If I am successful I will share my results. I stumped the sales team, the service writers and technician on how to get the truck to read the trailer TPMS.

I have a 8.5 x 25 ft enclosed car hauler. The single camera in the kit does not help me. I went with Tadi Brothers camera system. I installed 4 cameras around the trailer. It is so, so for me.

I caught wind that the F-250 / 350 are better set up to support trailer TPMS. I am going to look into that as well. If anyone has insight there or direct experience, please let me know.

Thanks,
Cameren S.

@Camshaft
This is what you are looking for? In that case see list of part numbers below the images

These are the official F150 part numbers (ignore prices, old image)

I believe the one you are seeking is LC3Z-1A189-B

BUT I highly recommend purchasing a kit from ebay that's listed for SuperDuty as it is much cheaper. ALSO, you will need to confirm your truck has the proper wiring under the bumper (see pictures above) C439 needs to be populated with more than 3 wires, otherwise you will need to replace that wiring harness that goes to the trailer plug & rear bumper sensors to a large plug by the spare wheel. ($100-175)

There is a HUGE thread describing all of this on the site, I'm sharing a brief summary

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/any-update-on-a-trailer-tpms-system.4989/post-177055

Example of TPMS only kit on ebay (I do not condone this seller, just a quick search brought it up)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/316603391562

 

[hokieinidaho]

What is your 2023 F150 trim level?

There are three areas to check on your truck for 'plug and play' support of the TPMS and trailer cam

1. Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC)
In order to support the TPMS you must have the menu sequence shown below available

If you don't have ^that^ your truck is not plug-and-play ready to support the trailer TPMS. There may be a fix using FORScan, but I can't help you with that.

2. Center Screen Display
In order to support the trailer cam you must have the following 'aux cam' button available on your center display

I'm not certain but ^that^ may require the 360-degree cam package (my truck pictured above has it). Again I can't help you if you don't find what's pictured above.

3. Rear Bumper Harness
For 'plug-and-play' support of trailer TPMS and cam you must have C439 as below and it must have at least 9 wires going into it

If your connector C439 has less than 9 wires, that can be overcome with a harness swap' see this thread for more info (link is to my post, the specific harness PN / solution for you may be elsewhere in the thread).

I'm sorry if you've been misled but hope the above helps in some way. Good Luck!

Hi Buyer2021,

Thank you for responding.

'23 XLT PowerBoost

Nothing of the sort in my menu

Camera button only brings up rear single camera - no menu. Only option is if I go into reverse, I can zoom so I get hit view.

And no, my harness only has 2 wires, which seems to be the tell tale sign.

 

[Buyer2021]

Camera button only brings up rear single camera - no menu. Only option is if I go into reverse, I can zoom so I get hit view.

OK, so the 360-degree cam package seems to indeed be required for the trailer cam support.

Open question - does your IPC menu show the trailer TPMS option (item 1 in my post)?

And no, my harness only has 2 wires, which seems to be the tell tale sign.

Only 2-wires at C439 is not a tell-tale of anything other than Ford stupidity; my truck only had 2-wires but still had both the trailer TPMS and cam support on the two displays as OE. The harness upgrade was the only thing missing to make it all work (grrrr).

IF you have the IPC menu for trailer TPMS, you can likely get at least that working with the rear sub-harness upgrade to a fully-populated C439 connector.

I realize that's not the full value you hoped for, but the integrated trailer TPMS is nice on its own merits.

 

[hokieinidaho]

Hello hokieinidaho,
Thanks for posting your experience. I just paid Discount Tire $260 to install 315 MHZ TPMS in my trailer last week as well. I have a 2022, Platinum with the 360 camera.

I went to the dealer trying to see how to get the truck to sync to the trailer... All that I can find is, yes the kit you purchased... I have learned, after my expense, that I need the module and the wiring harness. However they only sell the kit with the 4 TPMS and the trailer camera as a package. Which is way more than I desire to spend but also more items than I need.

**No one can tell me the individual PN for the module and the harness.

If you are (or anyone else is) able too that would be fantastic? Please and Thank you! **

If I am successful I will share my results. I stumped the sales team, the service writers and technician on how to get the truck to read the trailer TPMS.

I have a 8.5 x 25 ft enclosed car hauler. The single camera in the kit does not help me. I went with Tadi Brothers camera system. I installed 4 cameras around the trailer. It is so, so for me.

I caught wind that the F-250 / 350 are better set up to support trailer TPMS. I am going to look into that as well. If anyone has insight there or direct experience, please let me know.

Thanks,
Cameren S.

Hi Camshaft,

Here's what came in my (what has effectively become a $1200 cardboard box lol).

The bag that isn't obvious what's in it, is the TPMS. Also note that the harness is shown twice - just capturing two different tags.

If nothing else, it's interesting to see nearly all of the UK was involved in bringing these useless parts to my doorstep.

 

[Buyer2021]

Coincidence of timing ....

FORD F-150 OWNERS ARE ABOUT TO SEE THE WORLD FROM ALL ANGLES | F150gen14 -- 2021+ Ford F-150, Tremor, Raptor Forum (14th Gen) | News, Owners, Community, Discussions

"Our team is hard at work developing an OEM, DIY 360 Camera Upgrade exclusively for 2021+ Ford F-150 pickups."

 

[Camshaft]

You rock!!!! That is exactly what I have been trying to find.

 

[Camshaft]

Hi Camshaft,

Here's what came in my (what has effectively become a $1200 cardboard box lol).

The bag that isn't obvious what's in it, is the TPMS. Also note that the harness is shown twice - just capturing two different tags.

If nothing else, it's interesting to see nearly all of the UK was involved in bringing these useless parts to my doorstep.

I truly feel that all I need is the module and the harness to connect the module. My truck seems to be outfitted approximately on the truck side. See my three attached pictures.

Thanks so much for everyone's input and the additional thread(s).

 

[hokieinidaho]

Coincidence of timing ....

FORD F-150 OWNERS ARE ABOUT TO SEE THE WORLD FROM ALL ANGLES | F150gen14 -- 2021+ Ford F-150, Tremor, Raptor Forum (14th Gen) | News, Owners, Community, Discussions

"Our team is hard at work developing an OEM, DIY 360 Camera Upgrade exclusively for 2021+ Ford F-150 pickups."

Interesting. Is this OEM or 3rd party?
Would still need to deal with the rear-end wire-harness deficit?

 

[Buyer2021]

Interesting. Is this OEM or 3rd party?
Would still need to deal with the rear-end wire-harness deficit?

Infotainment is an aftermarket company that offers solutions often using Ford OEM components. They seem to enjoy a good (excellent?) reputation on this forum.

The rear harness doesn't relate to 360 cams on the truck, so I suspect that would still need to be addressed separately.

 

[hokieinidaho]

OK, so the 360-degree cam package seems to indeed be required for the trailer cam support.

Open question - does your IPC menu show the trailer TPMS option (item 1 in my post)?


Only 2-wires at C439 is not a tell-tale of anything other than Ford stupidity; my truck only had 2-wires but still had both the trailer TPMS and cam support on the two displays as OE. The harness upgrade was the only thing missing to make it all work (grrrr).

IF you have the IPC menu for trailer TPMS, you can likely get at least that working with the rear sub-harness upgrade to a fully-populated C439 connector.

I realize that's not the full value you hoped for, but the integrated trailer TPMS is nice on its own merits.

I'll need to go check when it stops raining. I didn't realize you were referring to the "IPC" - I was over on the sync infotainment screen. Sorry.

I get that the TPMS COULD work, but that wasn't my primary goal. The camera was. Backing up a 20' x 8.5' x 7' tall enclosed trailer is giving me a sense of appreciation for the truck driver that my dad was.

I'm still reading through that other forum that it seems like others have gotten around this. And I finally did call dealer and they think another tech has gotten around it - they're looking into it and going to call me back. Fingers crossed.

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