Trailer Disconnected Error Message
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 66
Likes: 4
From: SW Connecticut
Trailer Disconnected Error Message
Hi All, I have been getting a intermittent trailer disconnected message while towing my 5th wheel with my 2012 F250 SD. I have the in-bed trailer plug that I put in when I purchased the truck 5 years ago and never had any issues until lately. I will be driving along and the error message comes on then goes off. I checked all connections and are good. Today I connected to the plug at the bumper and it appeared to be worse and more frequent. I had the lights on and even with the message the lights still worked. It also feels like the brakes keep engaging and disconnecting when coming to a stop. Has anyone else had this happen? What did you do to fix the problem? Thanks in advance for your input. John
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
I too had that same problem with my 2005 F250. The only way I solved it was to install a new TBC . I bought an install the Tekonsha P2 and never had the problem again. Before that I removed and send the TBC to FICMRepair.Com and after I got it back it worked fine for a while but the issue returned after a number of months. That's when I decided to just remove the dumb thing. This also made my trailer brakes much more effective.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 66
Likes: 4
From: SW Connecticut
Has anyone replaced the factory brake controller with a after market one? Is it just unplug the original unit and plug in the new one? Does it effect any of the other wiring or the computer?
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
I replaced mine, but as I have an older truck I can't answer anything about yours. I used their wiring by cutting and soldering in the P2 I installed. No, I could not just "plug in" the Tekonsha into my Ford TBC connector wiring however Tekonsha does have this
. Can not say if it will work or not.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,542
Likes: 2,502
From: West Michigan
A lot of focus is being placed on the controller in this thread. 99% of the time there is a bad connection somewhere on the trailer causing this. I've had the IBC on all 3 of my ford's since 2005 and never had a problem.
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FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
truck really isn't "aware", just features of built in brake controller interfacing with instrument panel. You have connection problems with a prodigy, and you will get errors on it too..
A lot of focus is being placed on the controller in this thread. 99% of the time there is a bad connection somewhere on the trailer causing this. I've had the IBC on all 3 of my ford's since 2005 and never had a problem.
A lot of focus is being placed on the controller in this thread. 99% of the time there is a bad connection somewhere on the trailer causing this. I've had the IBC on all 3 of my ford's since 2005 and never had a problem.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 12
From: Upstate NY
For the 'missing' trailer, yes, that trailer JB in the pin box possibly has a loose connection. Mine popped up on a long mountain downhill in Arizona. Pulled the cover abd a wire nut came off too.
Aftermarket brake controller - Ford's IBC either works well or doesn't. My 2006 was fine, the 2011 not great with the setting at 9 with either the OE trailer drum brakes or the discs. Probably going to use either a Prodigy P2 or 3. One downfall is that you may need to have a fresh system flash to remove the OE software and the pop up code.
(NOW, will I get new post notifications or will I still be in the dark as I've been for the past few months even with the right CP boxes checked)
Aftermarket brake controller - Ford's IBC either works well or doesn't. My 2006 was fine, the 2011 not great with the setting at 9 with either the OE trailer drum brakes or the discs. Probably going to use either a Prodigy P2 or 3. One downfall is that you may need to have a fresh system flash to remove the OE software and the pop up code.
(NOW, will I get new post notifications or will I still be in the dark as I've been for the past few months even with the right CP boxes checked)
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 12
From: Upstate NY
That, Jim. is the first response to any thread that I posted to or originated since last October. Maybe the site (my PC?) burp has corrected itself. I even sent the site team a couple emails plus wrote a sarcastic thread and never go any sort of response .
I wonder what what tomorrow brings
New User
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 21
Likes: 2
Hi All, I have been getting a intermittent trailer disconnected message while towing my 5th wheel with my 2012 F250 SD. I have the in-bed trailer plug that I put in when I purchased the truck 5 years ago and never had any issues until lately. I will be driving along and the error message comes on then goes off. I checked all connections and are good. Today I connected to the plug at the bumper and it appeared to be worse and more frequent. I had the lights on and even with the message the lights still worked. It also feels like the brakes keep engaging and disconnecting when coming to a stop. Has anyone else had this happen? What did you do to fix the problem? Thanks in advance for your input. John
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 169
Likes: 7
From: San Diego/Seaman
St.Rodder, If you are still having problems, I had similar back in April. Random Trailer Disconnect messages while moving. Found I could replicate the problem by manually applying the trailer brake so I started troubleshooting the trailer connection, shortly I found that the rear axle brake wiring had broken and an exposed wire would rub against the axle while moving.
Also I discovered that the truck is too smart as the trailer disconnect message can be created by the brake or lighting circuits and possibly the battery charge circuit.
Also I discovered that the truck is too smart as the trailer disconnect message can be created by the brake or lighting circuits and possibly the battery charge circuit.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,707
Likes: 12,846
From: Wyoming
Larry's post reminded me that I had the disconnect message once. My trailer's breakaway switch got pulled while I was on the highway. I hardly noticed that the trailer brakes were on. Slight tug, but it could have been a head wind. But the disconnect message was a red flag. I pulled over and that's when I saw that the pin/plug on the switch had been pulled.
It's still part of the brake system, but a different part to look at.
It's still part of the brake system, but a different part to look at.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
Added to the above post...if the breakaway plug haS BEEN PULLED THERE IS HIGH amperage going to through the wiring and it can burn the wires so even AFTER replacing the switch you will have problems.