Troubleshooting A 2013 Ford F-250 That Has A Trailer Disconnected Error Message

Updated 09/27/2022 | Published 09/26/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(66)

$14.36

EZ Connector Custom Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ Magnetic 7-Way Trailer Connector - Watertight Seal

(28)

$93.50

Power Grip Electrical Protectant and Lube - 1 Oz

(6)

$10.62

Question:

My 2013 F250 has recently started displaying the trailer disconnected message. All lights on the trailer work including the brake lights. However when I test the brakes with the built in brake controller I have no brakes. It does this on every trailer I connect to so I feel it is a truck problem. I have checked the fuses and all are good. Thanks!

asked by: Cheryl M

Expert Reply:

Since you've already checked other trailers and concluded that the truck is indeed the issue, there are a couple of things you can try first before doing anything.

I recommend checking your connector for any moisture or corrosion first. If some moisture or anything like that got into your connector, then that may have caused a short in your circuit, in turn causing your truck's connector to not function.

You can also check to see if your 7-way is receiving power by testing the brake and turn signal pins with a circuit tester # PTW2993. If you do not have any voltage, then you are going to need to run through your wiring, looking for any broken or damaged wiring.

If there are any, I recommend replacing the broken wires and checking again for functionality.

If all else fails, you can also replace the 7-way with # 319-S7-06. This will plug right into your existing wiring, and fully replace your 7-way.

It's also a good idea to put some dielectric grease # CAM55013 on your electrical connectors to protect against oxidation and will improve conductivity.