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Troubleshooting Intermittent Trailer Disconnected Message with Factory Brake Controller on Ford  

Question:

The unit toggles back and forth between connected and disconnected. First it’s a new trailer and it does it on other trailers too. Both the trailer plug and the female plug on the vehicle have been cleaned with spray contact cleaner and then I used Deoxit on the contacts. I think the controller is sending out a signal and is not receiving the proper response from the trailer brakes. Either too little or too strong. This problem is extremely intermittent. Controller seems be working regardless of the display of connected/disconnected. Any idea on how to fix this? If I need to replace controller is there one that would fit without being mounted under the dash? Am I possibly losing the ground between hitch and ball as it does not cycle back and forth when stationary?

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The "Trailer Disconnected" error message on the dash with a factory brake controller is usually related to an issue with the blue brake output wire that runs from the brake controller to the 7-Way connector. The fact that the issue remains constant with multiple trailers indicates a problem on the truck side.

You have already done a great job of inspecting and cleaning both the truck and trailer side 7-Way so next you will want to try and inspect the blue wire coming from the back of the Ford's 7-Way. Try and trace the wire as far as you can up towards the cab and look for any frayed or pinched areas that need to be fixed/replaced.

It could potentially be a ground issue on the trailer but this seems unlikely since you've pulled a few different trailers and had the same error message on the dash with each. On your primary trailer though you can try checking the main ground wire at the connector as well as the individual ground wires coming from each brake assembly. Make sure they are all attached to clean, bare metal surfaces on the trailer that are free of any debris or corrosion.

If you still can't locate or resolve the issue please let me know and we can continue to troubleshoot.

This type of issue doesn't really indicate a bad controller but if you do decide to replace it now or at some point in the future a really nice option is the Curt Echo # C51180. This is a unique controller that actually plugs into the truck's 7-Way and then pairs to your smartphone via Bluetooth. This eliminate the need for a separate component mounted in the cab since your phone is what you will use to adjust any settings or activate the manual override.

I have attached a short video demonstration that you can check out as well.

expert reply by:
1
Chris R
Manuel R. profile picture

Manuel R.

3/27/2024

Very helpful thanks

ChrisR profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Chris R.

3/28/2024

@ManuelR Glad I could help!
Tobey profile picture

Tobey

4/12/2024

Hi, I am having a similar issue, I have a 2019 F-350 superduty, all my trailer lights work but when you manually squeeze the brake controller on the factory controller it chimes on dash trailer disconnected, also when pushing the +/- gain button you have to push it 1/2 dozen times before it works, does this sound like a bad controller or also a possible wiring issue? Thanks!

Pete F. profile picture

Pete F.

5/9/2024

Hi Chris, I'm having the "trailer disconnected from vehicle" warning on my 2016 F-150. It doesn't happen all the time but once it starts it goes off multiple times. I don't think it has anything to do with the brakes. I can be driving down the hi way, not touching the brakes or the controller and it will go off. I have cleaned the terminals on the truck 7 pin and the trailer (2016 Grey Wolf 26DJSE). Any idea's what this could be?

ChrisR profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Chris R.

5/9/2024

@PeteF It's fun, right? I honestly don't know what else you could really check on your end. My next suggestion would have been to make sure both the F-150's and trailer's connector pins are clean, but you've already done that. That being said, even if you aren't touching the brakes, the blue output wire could still be the culprit. There's always going to be a small, pulsing power that gets sent along this wire to constantly check for a trailer connection, so if that's not happening, that could be the problem. I'd still check to make sure that circuit is in good condition.
Petef profile picture

Petef

5/10/2024

@ChrisR Thanks. I will double check the pins and look at the blue wire.
SethM profile picture

Seth M.

7/14/2024

@ChrisR Hi I have the same issue is there a way I can turn off the warnings on my screen all together?
See All (5) Replies to Pete F. ∨
Corey profile picture

Corey

6/26/2024

Hello, I have a 2014 f150 xlt, I added a break controler and had ford unlock it. I have hooked multiple trailers up and all lights work, but my truck says no trailer. I have replaced the wireharness from above spare tire back to trailer connection. Any ideas ? Thanks

Cody L. profile picture

Cody L.

7/23/2024

I'm having the same issue. All my lights work on trailer but no brakes. I've connected to 4 trailers, and it did register one for a few min then disconnected. I have had 2 other truck hooks to my trailer and they picked it up instantly. I have a 2014 F250.

ChrisR profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Chris R.

7/24/2024

@CodyL Hey Cody, so at least we know the issue is on the truck and not the trailer. Have you tried testing the brake output pin on the 7-Way when hitting the manual override? I'd also inspect the pin itself for any debris or corrosion. Sometimes all it takes is a little cleaning to get the connection back up and running.

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