Trailer Brake System Fault - anyone getting this warning?

[FossIsleBC]

I tow a small (under 2,500 lbs) boat trailer - 4 pin single axle trailer and small fishing boat. No Trailer Brake System, no trailer brakes, just the factory tow hitch. Have towed the boat 2 times in the 2 months I’ve had the truck without any issue.

Today, with no trailer attached, I’m getting a warning “Trailer Brake System Fault. See Manual” every time I get in the truck and start the ignition. Six times today.

Can’t find anything in the manual. Anyone run into this? Anyone have a solution?

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[sikedsyko]

I’ve seen it on my boat trailer as well. 4 pin with no brakes. Haven’t looked into it beyond seeing it a couple of times.

 

[markal49]

Just to add fuel to the fire, I had this happen exactly once. But, if I remember correctly, I was actually towing at the time, or at least I was on a camping trip during which I towed my trailer.

I don't have a solution, but it hasn't happened again.

 

[RangerHunt27]

I tow a small (under 2,500 lbs) boat trailer - 4 pin single axle trailer and small fishing boat. No Trailer Brake System, no trailer brakes, just the factory tow hitch. Have towed the boat 2 times in the 2 months I’ve had the truck without any issue.

Today, with no trailer attached, I’m getting a warning “Trailer Brake System Fault. See Manual” every time I get in the truck and start the ignition. Six times today.

Can’t find anything in the manual. Anyone run into this? Anyone have a solution?

Possibly a blown fuse. Check I had a similar issue. Could had been when the trailer was connected it grounded out.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

I tow a small (under 2,500 lbs) boat trailer - 4 pin single axle trailer and small fishing boat. No Trailer Brake System, no trailer brakes, just the factory tow hitch. Have towed the boat 2 times in the 2 months I’ve had the truck without any issue.

Today, with no trailer attached, I’m getting a warning “Trailer Brake System Fault. See Manual” every time I get in the truck and start the ignition. Six times today.

Can’t find anything in the manual. Anyone run into this? Anyone have a solution?

Hello, if you could send us over a message with your VIN and mileage, I would be happy to look into your trailer brake concerns.

 

[CactusGreyFTX]

Hello, if you could send us over a message with your VIN and mileage, I would be happy to look into your trailer brake concerns.

Message sent - will update the Forum with whatever solution Ford provides

 

[CactusGreyFTX]

Hello, if you could send us over a message with your VIN and mileage, I would be happy to look into your trailer brake concerns.

Well, I emailed Ford as they requested I do with my VIN. The response was less than helpful:

Thanks, Steve. Since you are reaching out to us from Canada, we recommend reaching out to our friends at Ford Canada. They will have the resources needed to best assist you! You can reach Ford Canada by phone here: 1-800-565-3673, or online at Facebook.com/FordCanada & X.com/FordCanada.
Trumeia
Ford Social Media Team

I'm not gonna go chasing help from Ford Canada - my experience in that regard is a big ZERO out of 10 in terms of the help I've received with the lack of J-Brace availability in this country for over 5 months now. That's why I came to this forum and its members for help, rather than ford. You'd think Ford on here would have known I'm in Canada since it's right there in my profile under "Location" lol

Anyone else seen this fault and have a fix? Mine's still doing it

S

 

[markal49]

Just to add fuel to the fire, I had this happen exactly once. But, if I remember correctly, I was actually towing at the time, or at least I was on a camping trip during which I towed my trailer.

I don't have a solution, but it hasn't happened again.

I was washing my Ranger a little while ago and remembered that the one time I did get this error was after washing the truck. I assume I got water in the trailer connection and that made it go haywire. It went away after a while. I didn't happen when I washed the truck today but I was a bit more careful with pressure around the trailer connection.

 

[FossIsleBC]

I was washing my Ranger a little while ago and remembered that the one time I did get this error was after washing the truck. I assume I got water in the trailer connection and that made it go haywire. It went away after a while. I didn't happen when I washed the truck today but I was a bit more careful with pressure around the trailer connection.

hey

thanks for taking the time to respond. I think we may have an answer here. I washed my trailer and truck when I got home from fishing now that you mention it. Quite a bit of pressure when I washed the tailgate and it happened after that. went on all day but has resolved since. Maybe moisture in the connection was the problem.

Thanks for your input!

 

[10Ring]

Having the same problem with every startup today, the day after an offshore fishing trip.

I just aggressively hosed off the back end of my truck after having to put the boat trailer in a little deeper than usual. Up to the license plate got splashed with salt water.

I'll blast the hookup with electric contact cleaner and then stuff it with dielectric grease.

I'll report back if it fixes it.

 

[Cabose-1]

Does it have anything to do with the trailer module recall? It was an over the air software update.
Check the connections under the truck and at the plug to make sure they are tight and free of debris.

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