Pilot Hitch Receiver Step with LED Lights Causes Bulb Out Error on 2016 Ford F-150 OEM Tow Package

Question:

Nice unit, but incompatible with the F-150s electronics when you have the factory tow package. The trucks computer will continually tell you that your Left and Right trailers signal bulbs are burned out. There is no way to get it to shut up. Its disappointing, because I really like this gadget. The manufacturer needs to know that their toy doesnt work correctly with THE MOST POPULAR TOW VEHICLE IN AMERICA. Thats a problem.

asked by: Eric A

Expert Reply:

The problem is that some tow packages cannot sense that LED lights are drawing power because they draw such little power. This is not an uncommon issue and there is a fix for it. Your 2016 Ford F-150 with factory tow package should have included a 7-Way trailer connector that you can use with adapter # C35FR. This adapter will increase the load on the electrical system so the truck thinks that regular incandescent bulbs are being used.

Please note that the problem you are having now can also happen when towing trailers that have LED lights. The same adapter can be used for that. Or # C57003 for a 7-Way to 7-Way.

So it isn't the light manufacturers that are causing the problem. Ford just made a very sensitive type of system similar to the ones Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, and Volkswagen have been using for years. Until all of them get on the ball the rest of us have to use adapters! But at least there is a solution.

expert reply by: Michael H