Factory trailer brake controller
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 95
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From: Southwest lower MI
Factory trailer brake controller
I have a 2008 F250 with factory installed brake controller. I get an intermittent "trailer disconnected" error signal on the dash and flashing of the intensity digits on the controller itself. My first thought was the trailer coupling and wire to the trailer, but I just picked up a new gooseneck dump and it happened with that one as well. Running and brake/turn lights continue to work during these episodes.
Now I'm wondering about grounding? Or do I just change out the truck end 7 blade coupler?
Now I'm wondering about grounding? Or do I just change out the truck end 7 blade coupler?
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,392
Likes: 22
From: very South Texas
clean the truck end of 7 pin.. and check behind connector.. road dirt gets inside.. messes up computer.
then if needed replace truck side of 7 pin connector.
and check that the truck side 7 pin has a good ground connection.
then if needed replace truck side of 7 pin connector.
and check that the truck side 7 pin has a good ground connection.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 43
From: Land of Taxes
Grounds, 9 of 10 times. Pull them and look. Usually its the trailer main ground. They can visually look ok until you pull them. Check the E brake wires all the way inside the backing plates too if the trailer is equipped. Also pull the integrated connector off the hitch. Gently pry open the back side where the chassis harness plugs into the 7 pin connector. Look for verdigris(the green corrosion). Clean and re-grease with die-electric grease as needed.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 3
From: Peoria, IL
I would expect trailer ground as well. Sadly many trailers try to ground through the tongue/ball and don't really use the wire as a ground. That gives the built in trailer brake controller a fit.
It is sickening how much you pay for a new trailer and how crappy the wiring is on them. They really tend to skimp on wiring horribly in my experience.
It is sickening how much you pay for a new trailer and how crappy the wiring is on them. They really tend to skimp on wiring horribly in my experience.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 2
From: Southern Cal
I would expect trailer ground as well. Sadly many trailers try to ground through the tongue/ball and don't really use the wire as a ground. That gives the built in trailer brake controller a fit.
It is sickening how much you pay for a new trailer and how crappy the wiring is on them. They really tend to skimp on wiring horribly in my experience.
It is sickening how much you pay for a new trailer and how crappy the wiring is on them. They really tend to skimp on wiring horribly in my experience.
Today's 7 pin connectors do include a ground.
When mine does that, I pull the trailer side as has been recommended and wire brush and clean up. Many of these have a two piece connector that sometimes speads apart with time and needs to be slightly bent back with a small flat blade screwdriver for full contact. Scrap the insides well.
Keep in mind, when cleaning the truck, hot side, be careful to clean as you'll easily spark the connector if not careful with live power.
You can add a dab of dielectric grease to help reduce corrosion too.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 3
From: Peoria, IL
I realize there is a ground in the 7 pin connector, there was one with the old 4 way flat too. Sadly a lot of trailer manufacturers just put a little wire from that pin to the frame of the trailer, and ground everything else on the trailer to the frame too. They don't actually run the ground wire everywhere. A lot of times they end up with grounding issues all over the place that are difficult to track down.
At least this has been my experience with flatbed trailers, tilt-bed trailers, small cargo trailers etc. Those nice big bumper pull and 5th wheel campers might actually put a little more effort into their systems and do a better job.
At least this has been my experience with flatbed trailers, tilt-bed trailers, small cargo trailers etc. Those nice big bumper pull and 5th wheel campers might actually put a little more effort into their systems and do a better job.
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