Weird electrical problem associated w/ towing
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Weird electrical problem associated w/ towing
I'm a little stumped here guys my 05 SD started to flash tow haul mode and check gauges message came on while I was towing my car hauler trans temp gauge quit working then check engine light came on too truck runs fine disconnected batteries then re connect them ( trailer now disconnected) problem solved for about 3 mi of driving then it came back w/o trailer I'm thinking rusty trailer ball on hitch caused this maybe not a good ground for trailer tow computer? What kind of scanner etc do I need to possibly clear this problem out? Anybody have this problem before ? I am the original owner never seen this happen with this or any other trailer I've towed.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,762
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From: St Louis
There's no such thing as a "tow haul computer".
A rusty trailer ball should do nothing at all, assuming your trailer is properly wired with a dedicated ground wire that's actually good. Otherwise, it would only effect trailer lighting and, if equipped, any trailer accessory that relies on vehicle power such as electric brakes and the like.
You need a scanner that can read "manufacturer specific codes". Look for that specific description, do not use a scan tool that only reads "generic" codes.
If your transmission temperature gauge failed at the same time the MIL and the TCIL came on, that's a pretty good clue what the computer is squawking about.
A rusty trailer ball should do nothing at all, assuming your trailer is properly wired with a dedicated ground wire that's actually good. Otherwise, it would only effect trailer lighting and, if equipped, any trailer accessory that relies on vehicle power such as electric brakes and the like.
You need a scanner that can read "manufacturer specific codes". Look for that specific description, do not use a scan tool that only reads "generic" codes.
If your transmission temperature gauge failed at the same time the MIL and the TCIL came on, that's a pretty good clue what the computer is squawking about.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 429
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Tow Haul light flashing is an indicator of a transmission issue. Once you get the codes, you will likely know what to do next. I had a similar issue a couple of years ago that turned out to be a transmission fluid temperature sensor. If you are as lucky as I was, a new sensor is less than $20. I found a DIY in the tech forum and did it myself. Biggest expense is replacing the fluid at $9/quart, but the replacement is very easy to do.
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