TowCommand "Check Trailer"
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TowCommand "Check Trailer"
I've searched for an answer, and got only answers related to having trailers attached, so here goes...
I've purchased a used '05 F250 with the built in trailer brake setup. Driving over bumps, and sometimes just idling, the "Check Trailer" light lights up, and I get the loud beep, and the trailer brake lights up, etc...
I don't have a trailer connected at all. The only thing I can notice is that the "lever" that you slide to the left to apply the brakes on the controller is RIDICULOUSLY sensitive. Is this my problem, or are the problems deeper than this?? Has anyone ever found a fix for this? I'm sorry if this has been talked about, but when I searched, I found only ground issues with trailers, and talk of bad dashes in the newer Superdutys...
Please help, or is there a way I can turn the controller off until I hook up a trailer? Maybe wire it to a switch?
Also does anyone know where I can buy an owners manual for my truck?
Thanks guys.
2005 F250 V10 4x4 Ext. Cab.
I've purchased a used '05 F250 with the built in trailer brake setup. Driving over bumps, and sometimes just idling, the "Check Trailer" light lights up, and I get the loud beep, and the trailer brake lights up, etc...
I don't have a trailer connected at all. The only thing I can notice is that the "lever" that you slide to the left to apply the brakes on the controller is RIDICULOUSLY sensitive. Is this my problem, or are the problems deeper than this?? Has anyone ever found a fix for this? I'm sorry if this has been talked about, but when I searched, I found only ground issues with trailers, and talk of bad dashes in the newer Superdutys...
Please help, or is there a way I can turn the controller off until I hook up a trailer? Maybe wire it to a switch?
Also does anyone know where I can buy an owners manual for my truck?
Thanks guys.
2005 F250 V10 4x4 Ext. Cab.
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 24,308
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From: SW Virginia
Looks like these folks have you on the right path already.
Here's where you can download a copy of your owner's manual:
https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenan...ls/default.asp
Here's where you can download a copy of your owner's manual:
https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenan...ls/default.asp
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,383
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From: Frederick, MD
the module sits in the dash and easy to replace should it need to be. Mine in my 06 had to be replaced.
Was driving to work one morning and it came on,flashed TBC fault on the screen and then went away.
I would have a look at the wiring in the back of the module
Was driving to work one morning and it came on,flashed TBC fault on the screen and then went away.
I would have a look at the wiring in the back of the module
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Thanks guys! I'll check it out. There hasn't been any rain, snow, etc in the last few days, so I'm doubting on the water in the connector. Seems to be in the dash area more of a short, but I will def. check out the connector. Start with the easiest parts first, right?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,752
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From: Stillwater, OK
That is what makes it so confusing. Water will sit in the connector and corrode the terminals until there is finally enough iron in the water to make good enough electrical contact between the brake line and the ground.
that water might be from months or years prior.
that water might be from months or years prior.
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Okay, so I cleaned out the connector, and put some dielectric grease on it (both connectors) and I'm still having the problem. I'm still leaning toward some sort of short behind the dash somewhere. This weekend I had the parking brake on, and when I released it (with the lever) and the pedal came back to the dash, the slamming of the pedal into the dash made the light go on and the beep. This is driving me crazy.
If I unplug the controller, will that cause issues? Can I drive around without it plugged in? Or is there a fuse I can unplug to kill power just to the brake controller?
Thanks guys!
If I unplug the controller, will that cause issues? Can I drive around without it plugged in? Or is there a fuse I can unplug to kill power just to the brake controller?
Thanks guys!
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From: Grand Rapids, MI
Hello all,
when you guys say water in connector are you talking about the connector at the rear of the truck?
I have an 05 with tow command and spent half the day looking for a chaffed wire. Found nothing so I began looking in the cab. Removed the little glove box below the brake controller and found the brake controller itself to be the issue. I could tap, wiggle and basically just touch the controller and make the "trailer disconnected" alarm sound and the light come on.
Are you guys talking about the connectors at the back of the controller having water in them?
From my searching, it seems some folks have had to replace their controllers and I may in fact be one of them but wanted to verify the connector question first..
Thanks all,
Paul
when you guys say water in connector are you talking about the connector at the rear of the truck?
I have an 05 with tow command and spent half the day looking for a chaffed wire. Found nothing so I began looking in the cab. Removed the little glove box below the brake controller and found the brake controller itself to be the issue. I could tap, wiggle and basically just touch the controller and make the "trailer disconnected" alarm sound and the light come on.
Are you guys talking about the connectors at the back of the controller having water in them?
From my searching, it seems some folks have had to replace their controllers and I may in fact be one of them but wanted to verify the connector question first..
Thanks all,
Paul
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