"Trailer Disconnected"
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
"Trailer Disconnected"
My 08 showed "Trailer Disconnected" while pulling the 5th wheel. Came on twice then never showed up againg for the rest of the trip. Have read somewhere where people show "Trailer wiring Fault" on there rigs. Is this the same problem and does ford have a fix for it yet. My trailer wiring is to a plug INSIDE of the box (not the one below the rear bumper). Also the rear bumper plug is still active.
Thank in advance!
Thank in advance!
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 759
Likes: 0
From: Central Massachusetts
Mine happened once when testing it for the first time. I use to have an inside box box.It pulled on the plug a little and sent a message. I secured it better now. Never had a signal again. Might have been the problem, double check your connection.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 69
Likes: 2
From: Houston
I got that message on my '06 when pulling a tongue pull RV. I just figured it was because of a faulty grounding connection between the ball and the hitch, maybe rust? It only served to scare me once in a while.
My '08 is one of those with the 'Wiring Fault on Trailer' message that's irrepairable and Ford has said it is unsafe to tow until they come up with a fix.
My '08 is one of those with the 'Wiring Fault on Trailer' message that's irrepairable and Ford has said it is unsafe to tow until they come up with a fix.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Northwest AR
I got the "Wiring Fault on Trailer" message, and my dealer said it had to do with moisture getting in the wiring plug. I know water can do strange things with electricity. If all your connections are solid, you might trying sealing the back of the plug with a waterproof sealant.
I believe there is a TSB on the very early production models concerning moisture in the plug.
I believe there is a TSB on the very early production models concerning moisture in the plug.
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
From: Miami
Trending Topics
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,992
Likes: 2
From: Lancaster, MA
This has happened to my buddy a few times and I have noticed my trailer brakes will cut out on me for the same reason. I guess what happens is dust gets into the light plug either on the trailer side or the truck side. You need to really blow out the connections with an air hose or suck them out really well with a vaccum. Then spray a tiny bit of electrical cleaner or WD40 on them and you should be set to go.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Originally Posted by SouthTexasDiesel
I've had this happen once or twice to me while towing my flatbed. It's not something to be concerned about. Several people I know also have to same thing happen occasionally.
I fixed the problem by cleaning the trailer plug with contact cleaner, applying dielectric grease to both plugs and tie wraping the trailer plug to the truck plug.
sorry for quoting SouthTexasDiesel but "Trailer Disconnected" IS Serious!!
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 495
Likes: 0
I used to get this occasionally, typically when I first hooked up.
I found a bad ground on the trailer side of the wiring harness.
I can only assume the issue was a poor ground through the ball/hitch connection.
I found a bad ground on the trailer side of the wiring harness.
I can only assume the issue was a poor ground through the ball/hitch connection.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast, CA
I am pretty sure that it is caused by the trailer brakes not just the ground. It has happened to me only when towing trailers with brakes. Never on my trailers without brakes. I discovered that one of the my brake wires was broken on the trailer axle and only making occastional contact because of the display. I use electrical grease on all of my plugs now and I have not had any problems.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
F250SD-08
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
10
Mar 18, 2011 02:09 PM
BASSHUNTER
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
12
Dec 14, 2006 04:05 PM
