Ford TowCommand brake controller

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Apr 6, 2009 | 05:24 PM

DW3555

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Ford TowCommand brake controller

Ok ... '05 F350 Super Duty. There is no power at the controller, as there are no lights on on the dash, does nothing when you pull the manual lever over to apply brakes, can't adjust the gain, nothing! I also have a TBC Fault on the dash of the truck. (Trailer Brake Control Fault)

All lights work on the trailer... just no power on the controller side. I pulled the controller out of the dash, and am going to check and see if there is power to the controller. If there is .. I am guessing the controller itself is bad. If it's the controller, just a couple plug ins is all it takes to switch out. Just hope it's not too expensive. (Can't find the part online to price it yet.)

Apr 6, 2009 | 06:00 PM

bpounds

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From: Whittier, CA

Did you check all the fuses? And relays? There are several for the trailer, and there are specific ones just for the controller.

It's all in your owners manual.

Apr 6, 2009 | 06:22 PM

DW3555

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I checked the fuse in the fuse panel below the steering wheel for the controller .. that is the only one I checked. I pulled the controller out of the dash, but did not disconnect the wiring from the back of it. I did not see any fuses back there, or any relays that I could get to. Do you know where they may be?

Everything in the wiring for the trailer is fine, as far as the lights and all. The only thing I do not have is any lights on the controller itself, or any signal from the controller to the trailer to apply the brakes. The TBC FAULT is always on ... even when the trailer is not hooked to the truck. I am hoping this is just something simple and inexpensive to fix. (I pull the trailer about two times a week)

Apr 6, 2009 | 08:28 PM

handye9

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On 08's, some of the trailering fuses are located in a fuse panel in the engine compartment. This panel is in addition to the panel in the cab. Maybe your 05 is the same.

Apr 7, 2009 | 09:16 AM

bpounds

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From: Whittier, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by DW3555

I checked the fuse in the fuse panel below the steering wheel for the controller .. that is the only one I checked.

There are at least 3 fuses in the panel under the steering wheel for the TBC. On an '06, they are #20, #28, #101. I'm pretty sure an '05 will be the same. Be sure to pull the fuses and test them with a VOM.

Apr 7, 2009 | 09:54 AM

senix

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From: Frederick, MD

my 06 had the same thing happen, was a bad TBC module.

Apr 7, 2009 | 04:52 PM

DW3555

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Thanks guys ... I will check for other fuses. I looked in the manual, and thought I only saw one for the TBC (20 or 21 I believe). Will check for others. I also found the fuse panel under the hood, but don't recall seeing anything in the manual for fuses there for the TBC.

Just curious .. how much was the new TBC module?

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Jun 17, 2010 | 07:03 PM

senix

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From: Frederick, MD

they replaced my module under warranty. I would suggest you get the code read first to ensure that is what it is.

Jun 17, 2010 | 09:47 PM

#10

wizardsr

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From: Minneapolis, MN

Check for corrosion in the trailer plug on the back of the truck as well. I had corrosion in mine throwing the brake controller for a loop. Replaced the plug and problem solved.

Jun 17, 2010 | 09:56 PM

#11

QCIGUY

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From: Queen Charlottes BC

If there is a trailer plug problem on the brake side all the light will still work but the controller will not light up. I would agree and check the plug on the truck and trailer, give them a good spray of WD40 on both, it seems to help to clean them