Tow Command Issues
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 129
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From: Douglasville, Georgia
Tow Command Issues
I have an 08 F350 with the tow command system. It is marginal at best. I tow a 13500 unloaded 5th wheel. Same trailer behind my 01 F250 and aftermarket brake controller no issues at all trailer brakes worked great. With the gain set to 10 in the F350 I get a marginal tug hardly enough to instill confidence.
My question is if I remove the in dash brake controller I know I'll get an error message( I get an intermittent "wire fault on trailer" message now, trailer or no). Can I have the computer reprogrammed to eliminate that error message.
By the way I am in Atlanta and 2 local dealers have said no, can't be done. And the guys at Ford Performance Specialists said "We'll give it a try"
Thanks
My question is if I remove the in dash brake controller I know I'll get an error message( I get an intermittent "wire fault on trailer" message now, trailer or no). Can I have the computer reprogrammed to eliminate that error message.
By the way I am in Atlanta and 2 local dealers have said no, can't be done. And the guys at Ford Performance Specialists said "We'll give it a try"
Thanks
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,370
Likes: 1,858
From: Frederick, MD
So you are getting a fault message currently as I understand it?
So have you checked all of your connects and grounds leading from truck to trailer?
My 5er comes in at 14K and the TBC does just fine.
So have you checked all of your connects and grounds leading from truck to trailer?
My 5er comes in at 14K and the TBC does just fine.
Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Not sure I completely understand your problem. What type of breaks do you have on the RV? If you have the electric over hydraulic disc breaks, the IBC will not function properly. I have a 2008 F-450 with the electric over hydraulic disc breaks and needed to install a second break controller. The RV breaking manufactures now have a circuit board that can be installed onto the RV hydraulic break actuator that will allow the Ford IBC to function properly. Cost is about $100.
If you have electric only breaks on the RV disregard the above.
If you have electric only breaks on the RV disregard the above.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 129
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From: Douglasville, Georgia
Thanks for your replies. The brakes are electric drums on both axles. The only error message I get is very intermittent and it is "wiring fault on trailer" . This happens with or without trailer, and only when in reverse or I signal a left turn. I have checked rechecked and put a Fluke Mulitmeter on everything and can find a fault the ground is fine. I failed to mention I also tow an enclosed race car trailer with my 8 second 93 Cobra to the track(shameless plug). Same issue, soft feeling brakes on the trailer.
A true mystery.
A true mystery.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,591
Likes: 14
From: Pflugerville, tx
the TBC is connected directly to the truck master cylinder. this means that the tug/bump you would feel on the normal brake controllers (I have a Tekonsha Prodigy in my suburban) will not be felt on the ford truck.
the braking is SO much more consistent and seemless.
I tow my 7000lb car trailer with my custom truck in it. I've had to emergency stop a couple times (idiots pulling out of driveways)
and the TBC did its job, along with Tow/Haul mode.
No brake lockup.
sam
the braking is SO much more consistent and seemless.
I tow my 7000lb car trailer with my custom truck in it. I've had to emergency stop a couple times (idiots pulling out of driveways)
and the TBC did its job, along with Tow/Haul mode.
No brake lockup.
sam
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 738
From: Isanti, MN
Sorry to hear about your trouble!
I'd recommend trying to read the voltage at the rear of the truck with the hand brake pulled and gain on 10. You should see 12 volts. If not there is a problem somewhere within the truck.
If you do see 12 volts at the rear of the truck I'd hook up the trailer and measure voltage at the magnets. If you see much less than 12 volts you have a problem in the trailer.
Not trying to say it isn't your brake controller, just that I think it's important to rule out everything else first!
I'd recommend trying to read the voltage at the rear of the truck with the hand brake pulled and gain on 10. You should see 12 volts. If not there is a problem somewhere within the truck.
If you do see 12 volts at the rear of the truck I'd hook up the trailer and measure voltage at the magnets. If you see much less than 12 volts you have a problem in the trailer.
Not trying to say it isn't your brake controller, just that I think it's important to rule out everything else first!
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 950
Likes: 6
From: Waco, Texas
I get this issue sometimes. I fix it by taking off the trailer plug on the back, then unplug it, blow it out with air, let it dry and put it back on. That cures it everytime. It only happens if I drive in water for a while or it builds moisture condensation over a period of time. I thought there was a TSP out there on this issue?
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 97
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From: Northern Illinois
Review - print and take to your dealer
Message center displaying "Wiring Fault On Trailer":
This may occur due to water intrusion/corrosion in the trailer connector socket or the connector behind the socket. If corrosion is present, replace the socket and harness and lube with silicone dielectric grease. If there are no signs of water, perform normal diagnosis. Broadcast Message 7052, 7108.
I periodically get a fault meassage as well - only when I have a trailer hooked up. I usually get it to go away by unplugging & replugging.
Message center displaying "Wiring Fault On Trailer":
This may occur due to water intrusion/corrosion in the trailer connector socket or the connector behind the socket. If corrosion is present, replace the socket and harness and lube with silicone dielectric grease. If there are no signs of water, perform normal diagnosis. Broadcast Message 7052, 7108.
I periodically get a fault meassage as well - only when I have a trailer hooked up. I usually get it to go away by unplugging & replugging.
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