Troubleshooting Factory Brake Controller Issue In 2005 Ford F-250 With Factory Brake Controller

Question:

RRRRRR.... I have been chasing this problems for a couple years. I am continuously getting an error on my brake control unit that says either brake fault or brakes disconnected. Sometimes I can manually activate the electronic trailer brakes and they work fine. Other times they dont. 2005 F250 diesel 4x4 with factory brake controller. I have replaced the factory trailer male plug along with the trailer female plug - still no change. I can see that all the brake wires going into the trailer wheels are there dont know if they are hot or not. Today, I was planning on replacing all 4 brake. Any thoughts on why I am getting this error message and have intermittent trailer brake problems? Thanks

asked by: Ted M

Expert Reply:

On your 2005 Ford F- 250, the factory brake controllers are always having issues with certain trailers. I've attached an article to help you check your brake magnets to see if that is your issue. There are many possible causes and compatibility issues depending on your trailer application. I've attached some info to help.

To see if your vehicle is sending proper signal, use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to check the 5-o'clock pin on your 7 way. This should give signal when you hit the manual override. If that is functional at your bumper then check the trailer side of the connection there and back by each brake. If it isn't working anywhere along there, replace the wire with # 10-1-1.

If everything is working and functioning correctly, you can either live with the warnings or you can replace the brake controller with an aftermarket unit like # 90195 and use harness # 3065-P.

expert reply by: Jason S