15' brake controller question
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
15' brake controller question
Hooked up to one of our trailers and didn't have any lights or brakes. Appears after I shift into gear I get the trailer connected message? But not while idling and in park when I first plug in. After that if in park everything works. When I was backing up I got the trailer disconnected and trailer connected messages. I noticed marker lights fluttering. I got a trailer wiring fault at one point. I had a local place check the truck and all checked out. Problem with trailer? One of our goosenecks gets a trailer wiring fault once in a while on our 14'. Where should I start looking? Anyone else have any issues with factory integrated brake system. Thanks.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,383
Likes: 1,867
From: Frederick, MD
past experience always says to check the fuses. In this case they are ok.
So, the next step is the check the 7 pin plugs on the truck. You need to take them loose and check the wiring at the back of them.
The one on the bumper is usually the one.
Since this is a 15 it is probably under warranty. It should be looked at. They should have a tester they can plug into the 7 pin.
So, the next step is the check the 7 pin plugs on the truck. You need to take them loose and check the wiring at the back of them.
The one on the bumper is usually the one.
Since this is a 15 it is probably under warranty. It should be looked at. They should have a tester they can plug into the 7 pin.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 118
From: Tallassee, ALabama
Check the trailer connector. I found that I need to "close up" the 7 way trailer contacts to make good connection to the 7 way blade connectors on my truck. After doing this, I just recently made a 7800 mile trip with no lost of connection or messages even when plugging and unplugging the 5th wheel a few times along the way....
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 26
From: Middle Tn.
Flickering lights can also indicate a less than adequate ground. Usually at the connector or trailer. You can verify this by running a separate ground from the truck frame to the trailer frame. If it cures it you know where to start looking.
Official Ford Rep
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 6
Hooked up to one of our trailers and didn't have any lights or brakes. Appears after I shift into gear I get the trailer connected message? But not while idling and in park when I first plug in. After that if in park everything works. When I was backing up I got the trailer disconnected and trailer connected messages. I noticed marker lights fluttering. I got a trailer wiring fault at one point. I had a local place check the truck and all checked out. Problem with trailer? One of our goosenecks gets a trailer wiring fault once in a while on our 14'. Where should I start looking? Anyone else have any issues with factory integrated brake system. Thanks.
Have you tracked down this issue yet? Keep in mind that you can always swing by your dealership so they can look things over. What's the current mileage on your truck?
Crystal
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 6,801
Likes: 7
From: DFW, TX-GoldCanyon, AZ
Yup... Grounding issues comprise the vast majority of automotive electrical problems... Flickering is a good indicator that the ground is being done through the hitch rather than through the plug/harness..
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Official Ford Rep
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 6
Crystal
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 118
From: Tallassee, ALabama
I still say the trailer 7 pin connector is the problem. The 7 pin plug usually doesn't fit tight and will wiggle. If you tighten the trailer 7 pin plug connectors, it will more than likely solve your problem.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
I had about 30 minutes today so I took it back and hooked it to both my goosenecks. Nothing on either one. Can't get it to say "trailer connected". No parking lights nothing. It's something on the truck. I don't see any blown fuses, but if your not a very small person, getting to the fuses is a pain in the a$$. That's one thing my 06' had on this truck. LOL. Both of these trailers work fine on our 06' and 14' so it's something with the truck. I've got an appointment tomorrow. When the local truck up-fitter place plugged it in to their tester it worked fine, and after I started to move with the other trailer it worked (this was not one of the goosenecks I just tested it with). Only thing done aftermarket with wiring is the 7 pin in the bed, but that just hooks into and OEM harness by the bumper. I'm assuming the 15' is like my 06's in that hazards and parking lights etc work weather the truck is in gear??? We will see what the dealer comes up with.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
Dealer got it fixed. Said it was a bad ground on the truck and a faulty 7 pin on the bumper. Plugged it into one of the goosenecks and it at least said it was hooked up and lights worked. Ready to roll now. Thanks for all the help. I need to learn how to test elec stuff better, always end up blowing lots of fuses. Thanks again, Levi