F-150 "Trailer disconnected"

[Loeber]

I have a 2011 F-150 Ecoboost that I use to tow my 31' with. When I apply the brakes my dash display shows "Trailer Connected" and as soon as I remove my foot I get a bell tone and "Trailer disconnected" I have my gain set at +6 and I am not having any issues braking or stopping, it just seems odd that the display would show this and chime after every time I stop? Does anyone have insight to why this would be happening? My dealership is stumped and I couldn't find anything in the manual.

Cheers

Dan

[BigGrey]

Dan,

I really have no idea but it sounds like it could possibly be the embilical cord ??? Or something in the sending unit on your dash panel ??? Definitely would insist the dealership find the solution . Are you getting braking? The below link may shed some light as well???

Good Luck !

OEM trailer brake controller problem, "trailer not connected" - Ford F150 Forum - Community of Ford Truck Fans

[DKB_SATX]

Looking through that F150 forum post, it seems like there's some sensitivity on the center pin (the statement was that if you use an adapter to 6-pin so that there's no circuit completed for the center pin, the controller reads "no trailer.")

Do you have reverse lights hooked in an working on your '79?

[vswingfield]

I like it. When you need to stop, you have all the advantages of a proper trailer braking system. Other times you have all the performance and economy of not towing the trailer when it is disconnected. The best of both worlds.

Sorry, I just couldn't resist. It would be great if you really could make things work that way.

I'm pretty much stumped. I would think it was an intermittent connection, but it always shows "Trailer Connected" when you put your foot on the brakes, then gives you a bell tone and displays "Trailer Disconnected" when you take your foot off the brake. When it is doing the same thing consistently, that implies that the connections are good.

[purman]

Originally Posted by vswingfield

when you take your food off the brake. When it is doing the same thing consistently, that implies that the connections are good.

Well here is the problem. He is putting food on the brake and not his foot

Sorry couldn't help myself. (this happens to me all the time too.)

[Wayward]

I had this happen on my f250.

When the truck was brand new it would not recognize the plug. I tried everything and checked everything. The dealer fixed it pronto. They did something simple on the truck but I cannot remember what - maybe a loose connector.

This year it happened again but reseating the trailer connector fixed it. It happened a second time so I sprayed some electrical contact cleaner on the connectors and then a light coat of dielectric grease. Seems to have done the trick

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by purman

Well here is the problem. He is putting food on the brake and not his foot

Sorry couldn't help myself. (this happens to me all the time too.)

I'll show you! It's still within the edit time period. Now everyone will think you're crazy, not me...ha..ha..ha!

For those coming onto this later, I originally had :I would think it was an intermittent connection, but it always shows "Trailer Connected" when you put your foot on the brakes, then gives you a bell tone and displays "Trailer Disconnected" when you take your food off the brake."

Actually I had him putting his foot on the brake and then removing his food from the brake. This is obviously improper operation. Just think what it would do to a sandwich. Although a piece of watermelon has a certain Gallagher appeal.

Thanks for catching that, It made me laugh.

[purman]

Originally Posted by vswingfield

I'll show you! It's still within the edit time period. Now everyone will think you're crazy, not me...ha..ha..ha!

Ha Ha HA You fixed the original but it still show up in the quote

crawford Gene catches all my stuff (and points it out) I think it makes for better reading personally.. little laugh here and there is good for you.

The worst is when I use my iphone. That has auto correct, and if your not paying attention can really change things.

[newroswell]

So back to the OP's problem... I had the same thing happen with my new F250 and new Airstream. Cleaning the plug connectors on the trailer side has fixed it for the last 10,000 miles of towing...

[masseyfarm]

My Clipper has a 6 pole connector with a Drawtite Controller.

I get the trailer disconnected signal if I use the 6 to 4 adapter plug when using my cargo trailer with no brakes. Drawtite works as it should on the 6 pole plug to the Tracker toad that has no electric brakes (air brake over hydraulic).

This tells me it is probably the way you have the plug wired.

I have not pulled a trailer with brakes for some time so assume the Drawtite still works as it should.

Dave

[Loeber]

Thanks kids!! The truck is going in for service next week. I'll get them to check it then. I'll just have to try not to spill any food on the brake til then.

Cheers

Dan

[alclad]

use this:


Sanchem NOOXID electrical grease & electrically conductive grease dielectric grease and contact lubricants

on all electrical connections.
it works.

[slowmover]

Originally Posted by alclad

use this:


Sanchem NOOXID electrical grease & electrically conductive grease dielectric grease and contact lubricants

on all electrical connections.
it works.

I hate dielectric grease. Gets old, catches crap and never really "seals". I use a product similar to the above (the above is better) and haven't cleaned a car battery terminal or lamp socket in over twenty years.

Thanks for the link!

And tell the cop the, ah, break peddle still had lasagna sauce on it . . kinda slippery for heel & toe work.