2018 brake module failure?
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Michigan
2018 brake module failure?
Anybody know what would cause a notice for brake module failure, and where it is located? I'm guessing under the dash somewhere. I'm thinking it may have been caused by the installation and activating of my TBC, it happened a few months after. I noticed my dash was telling me the trailer was getting disconnected and connected over and over, I thought I might have a short in my plug, but it was all tight.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,911
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From: Burleson, Tx
Usually the trailer disconnect is caused by a bad ground wire in the trailer side plug causing the circuit to be completed through the hitch.
Does the error occur with the trailer connect, without a trialer or just at random?
Does the error occur with the trailer connect, without a trialer or just at random?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,466
Likes: 726
From: Calgary Canada
very rare to have an actual fault with the TBC unit itself. Almost always a connection, grounding or trailer issue. Don't even know how you'd troubleshoot the TBC, probably just replace the unit if you are sure that's where the fault lies.
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Michigan
Now, I have to clarify, while the trailer was connected, I was getting a "connected/disconnected" notification while driving straight down the road. It was after the trailer was disconnected for a few days when I started getting the "brake module failure" notice. Now when ever the truck is started it shows the failure notice.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
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From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
I had something similar with our TT. I cleaned out the Bargman connectors (both the socket on the F150, and the TT), and squirted in a tiny bit of DC4. When you connect, make sure you have that plug ALL the way in so that the cover snaps down on the plug. That solved it for me.
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Michigan
Thanks I will try that, but it doesn't seem to answer the part where the notice comes up with no trailer now
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Michigan
I only have one trailer with electric brakes, my other two have hydraulic surge brakes. So, I was under the belief that I didn't have to give it a number or name on the truck controller. When the electric brake trailer was being hauled, that was the one that would "connect and disconnect" from the system while driving. I am going to check the ground on that trailer as I think it may have been getting it's grounding from the rusty ball, and not the trailer ground wire. Trailer #2 has HSB's, I didn't notice any problems when using it. Trailer #3 has HSB's also, this one I have to check out as I don't know if it is wired correctly. So, could a incorrectly wired trailer cause the module to "fault"? Is a Trailer Module Fault, something that can be reset? It was only after doing some sleep thinking that I remembered what was happening on which trailer.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 43
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Anybody know what would cause a notice for brake module failure, and where it is located? I'm guessing under the dash somewhere. I'm thinking it may have been caused by the installation and activating of my TBC, it happened a few months after. I noticed my dash was telling me the trailer was getting disconnected and connected over and over, I thought I might have a short in my plug, but it was all tight.
8th Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
I am going to create a new thread as I am having troubles with a 2018 F350 trailer stop and turn supply issue. I've narrowed it down but I am looking for help... I just realized I am not in the f350 Forum but it may not matter.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...m_content=post
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...m_content=post
Last edited by ThatGuy2021; Jan 16, 2026 at 07:07 PM. Reason: added link to new thread
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