Trailer Connected/Disconnected Issue
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4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Trailer Connected/Disconnected Issue
When I disconnect a trailer the next time I go somewhere the truck is still showing that last trailer as connected and continues to log miles for that trailer. Any idea what would cause this? I know the "Trailer Disconnected" feature works as I had to replace the umbilical plug on my trailer. There was a bent pin that was not maintaining contact. Fun when you are towing a 9,000lb trailer and it disconnects just as you come over a summit leading to a 6% downgrade.
Anyway, that problem has been corrected, but even before replacing the plug the truck would not sense when a trailer had been disconnected. I have tested all connections and both the truck and trailer plugs are wired correctly. All lights, brakes, charging line, etc. work fine to the trailer.
Anyway, that problem has been corrected, but even before replacing the plug the truck would not sense when a trailer had been disconnected. I have tested all connections and both the truck and trailer plugs are wired correctly. All lights, brakes, charging line, etc. work fine to the trailer.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,375
Likes: 1,860
From: Frederick, MD
when disconnecting, you have to select no trailer in the options menu for towing, consult your owners manual.
Basically it is a memory function that has to then be selected as no trailer.
Basically it is a memory function that has to then be selected as no trailer.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,375
Likes: 1,860
From: Frederick, MD
when disconnecting the trailer whether the truck is running or not, one still needs to go into the trailer settings and select "no trailer" for it to stop the accumulation of miles.
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4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Doesn't make a lot of sense. I've had issues where the trailer umbilical has come disconnected and the truck senses it and posts a warning message immediately. So the logic is built in already. If you click on "OK" when the trailer disconnects the warning message goes away, but the truck still considers the trailer connected and clocks mileage. You may not have trailer lights or brakes though.
This seems illogical. If the truck can sense the trailer is disconnected, and I can select "OK" to acknowledge it, let me select something to indicate I know the trailer is disconnected and I'm okay with it.
And, IMHO, when I start the truck and there is no trailer connected, the truck should sense this and not assume the last trailer is still connected, even though it can't sense that trailer. That makes no logical sense (pun intended) at all.
Yes, I have found that if I disconnect when the truck is running the truck usually senses this and stops clocking trailer mileage. "Usually" but not always. Seems like there are some serious coding issues in this part of the Sync3 system.
This seems illogical. If the truck can sense the trailer is disconnected, and I can select "OK" to acknowledge it, let me select something to indicate I know the trailer is disconnected and I'm okay with it.
And, IMHO, when I start the truck and there is no trailer connected, the truck should sense this and not assume the last trailer is still connected, even though it can't sense that trailer. That makes no logical sense (pun intended) at all.
Yes, I have found that if I disconnect when the truck is running the truck usually senses this and stops clocking trailer mileage. "Usually" but not always. Seems like there are some serious coding issues in this part of the Sync3 system.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 131
Likes: 67
With my 2022 F250- -I unplug my trailer with the engine running. Afterwards when I look through the "Towing" screen it shows "No Active" trailer.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 40
Likes: 11
I believe this is a software issue.
My 2015 F150 would sense the disconnected trailer and properly deactivate the towing status without additional input.
My 2020 F250 would sense the disconnected trailer, but I had to manually deactivate it through the display to stop mileage accumulation. I tried everything, including unplugging the trailer with the engine on, nothing helped.
My 2022 F250 works properly, no issues.
It's a software bug, you might ask your dealer to re-flash any towing related ECMs.
My 2015 F150 would sense the disconnected trailer and properly deactivate the towing status without additional input.
My 2020 F250 would sense the disconnected trailer, but I had to manually deactivate it through the display to stop mileage accumulation. I tried everything, including unplugging the trailer with the engine on, nothing helped.
My 2022 F250 works properly, no issues.
It's a software bug, you might ask your dealer to re-flash any towing related ECMs.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,243
Likes: 79
From: Roman Forest, TX
In my 2019, unplug while the truck is running. It does not continue to accumulate miles. If I forget, I just reconnect, make sure the truck is running, then disconnect. No issue. I don't know if it's the same for the '20 - '22's. But try it.
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I believe this is a software issue.
My 2015 F150 would sense the disconnected trailer and properly deactivate the towing status without additional input.
My 2020 F250 would sense the disconnected trailer, but I had to manually deactivate it through the display to stop mileage accumulation. I tried everything, including unplugging the trailer with the engine on, nothing helped.
My 2022 F250 works properly, no issues.
It's a software bug, you might ask your dealer to re-flash any towing related ECMs.
My 2015 F150 would sense the disconnected trailer and properly deactivate the towing status without additional input.
My 2020 F250 would sense the disconnected trailer, but I had to manually deactivate it through the display to stop mileage accumulation. I tried everything, including unplugging the trailer with the engine on, nothing helped.
My 2022 F250 works properly, no issues.
It's a software bug, you might ask your dealer to re-flash any towing related ECMs.
The functionality of this part of the system is an annoyance. I am aware of the methods available to let the truck know it is no longer connected to a trailer. It's just annoying that you have to do this. I don't normally tow with the trailer info screen displayed after the first 50 miles or so. Therefore that screen isn't displayed the next time I get in the truck, which could be a week later. So I don't think to turn it off.
Anyway, thanks for the answer regarding the ECMs. Next time I have the truck in for a mandated service I'll see if they'll also make some changes for me on the ECM.
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