Troubleshooting Intermittent Trailer Disconnected Message with Factory Brake Controller on Ford
Question:
The unit toggles back and forth between connected and disconnected. First it’s a new trailer and it does it on other trailers too. Both the trailer plug and the female plug on the vehicle have been cleaned with spray contact cleaner and then I used Deoxit on the contacts. I think the controller is sending out a signal and is not receiving the proper response from the trailer brakes. Either too little or too strong. This problem is extremely intermittent. Controller seems be working regardless of the display of connected/disconnected. Any idea on how to fix this? If I need to replace controller is there one that would fit without being mounted under the dash? Am I possibly losing the ground between hitch and ball as it does not cycle back and forth when stationary?
asked by: Jim S
Helpful Expert Reply:
The "Trailer Disconnected" error message on the dash with a factory brake controller is usually related to an issue with the blue brake output wire that runs from the brake controller to the 7-Way connector. The fact that the issue remains constant with multiple trailers indicates a problem on the truck side.
You have already done a great job of inspecting and cleaning both the truck and trailer side 7-Way so next you will want to try and inspect the blue wire coming from the back of the Ford's 7-Way. Try and trace the wire as far as you can up towards the cab and look for any frayed or pinched areas that need to be fixed/replaced.
It could potentially be a ground issue on the trailer but this seems unlikely since you've pulled a few different trailers and had the same error message on the dash with each. On your primary trailer though you can try checking the main ground wire at the connector as well as the individual ground wires coming from each brake assembly. Make sure they are all attached to clean, bare metal surfaces on the trailer that are free of any debris or corrosion.
If you still can't locate or resolve the issue please let me know and we can continue to troubleshoot.
This type of issue doesn't really indicate a bad controller but if you do decide to replace it now or at some point in the future a really nice option is the Curt Echo # C51180. This is a unique controller that actually plugs into the truck's 7-Way and then pairs to your smartphone via Bluetooth. This eliminate the need for a separate component mounted in the cab since your phone is what you will use to adjust any settings or activate the manual override.
I have attached a short video demonstration that you can check out as well.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Hidden
- Up to 2 Axles
- Smartphone Display
- CURT
more information >
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on Trailer Brake Controller
Tobey
4/12/2024
Hi, I am having a similar issue, I have a 2019 F-350 superduty, all my trailer lights work but when you manually squeeze the brake controller on the factory controller it chimes on dash trailer disconnected, also when pushing the +/- gain button you have to push it 1/2 dozen times before it works, does this sound like a bad controller or also a possible wiring issue? Thanks!